ABSTRACT
This chapter presents interpretation keys, traditionally considered for information extraction from aerial photographs, purposed for use with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image interpretation. Clues and evidence leading to land use and land cover descriptions were developed from systematically observing the image tone, texture, pattern, shadow, shape, and dimensions. These elements traditionally applied with optical data must have their connotations revised when used with images acquired from SAR systems exploiting the active remote sensing model, oblique perspective and long electromagnetic wavelengths. This chapter establishes the methodology for interpreting the land use and land cover from radar images. Explanations of how the interpretation keys connect to technological concepts carry into examples that help the readers to familiarize themselves with the descriptions. Standard terminology is suggested to designate visually assessed characteristics from each interpretation key. Image specifications, a scale, and location are given at figure caption end.
