Surficial Bedrock Geological Mapping
Depending on the type of physical weathering, surficial bedrock may characteristically fracture to produce fragment sizes which are a function of elements such as rock fabric, texture and mineral composition. Individual rock units may break down differentially, resulting in unique backscatter.

RADARSAT beam mode - All beam modes are suitable for surficial bedrock mapping. The final beam mode selection is dependent on the areal coverage and level of detail required. Generally, Fine and Standard beam modes are best suited for detailed surficial bedrock mapping, while Wide and ScanSAR are better for regional surficial bedrock geological mapping.

RADARSAT incidence angle - The main parameter that may differentiate rock fragment size associated with surficial bedrock units is surface roughness. Shallow incidence angles maximize the contrast in backscatter resulting from variances in roughness.

Look direction - Orientation of geological structures relative to look direction should be considered.

When to acquire RADARSAT data - Acquire data when moisture levels are low in order that the backscatter is more closely correlated to surface roughness than to moisture content.