Coastline Mapping
Large incidence angles provide a larger radar backscatter contrast which improves the discrimination of the water-land boundary. The smooth surface of a water body acts as a specular reflector in contrast to the diffuse scattering which occurs over land. Open water surfaces will appear dark in comparison to the brighter returns from land. Shoreline detection and the identification of areas of erosion or sedimentation can be improved by acquiring multi-temporal data with different look directions (e.g., ascending or descending).

RADARSAT beam mode - RADARSAT's Wide and ScanSAR beam modes are suitable for regional mapping requirements, while RADARSAT's Fine and Standard beam modes are better suited to detailed coastal information.

RADARSAT incidence angle - Shoreline discrimination improves with a larger incidence angle.

Look direction - Choose a look direction that will image the area of interest in the near half of the swath so as to avoid image quality problem.

When to acquire RADARSAT data - Shoreline discrimination is best under light wind conditions. Discrimination of inter-tidal features is best at low tide and when moisture contrast is greatest between exposed inter-tidal areas and the water body.