Wetland Condition Determination
Radar is sensitive to variations in soil moisture associated with wetlands because of the changes in the dielectric properties of soil produced by changes in water content. The sensitivity of radar to variations in moisture content potentially results in contrasting backscatter.

RADARSAT beam mode - Wetland information can be acquired using Standard or Wide beam modes. Fine beam mode is suitable for more detailed studies.

RADARSAT incidence angle - Soil and vegetation roughness effects, which are the dominant factor affecting radar backscatter, are minimized at steep angles. Steep incidence angles provide the greatest amount of signal penetration through a vegetation canopy and also maximize the contrast in backscatter received from variations in soil moisture.

When to acquire RADARSAT data - Acquire data when other parameters that affect radar backscatter, such as vegetation cover, are minimized.