Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an active remote sensing technique in which microwave signals are emitted from a transmitter toward a subject area, reflected by the features of that area, and returned to a sensor. SAR is recognized as a valuable and effective tool in mapping and monitoring wetland ecosystems. This study examines three different SAR platforms (ERS, Radarsat, and JERS) in terms of their usefulness in monitoring the changing hydrologic conditions in a region within the Florida Everglades known as the Shark River Slough. A synthesis of methods and techniques is used to evaluate the hydrology-backscatter relationship and to assess the capability of SAR data in hydrologic monitoring, including regression, profile analysis, neighborhood statistics, and zonal statistics. The objective of this study is to contribute to the foundation of knowledge surrounding the relationship between SAR and wetland hydrology and to advance hydrologic monitoring techniques. Continue reading →