IceSAT/GLAS Waveform Signal Processing for Ground Cover Classification: State of the Art

Remote sensing data from waveform lidar sensors supply the complete profile of the backscattered signal. This characteristic opens interesting new frontiers for the study of land cover because, in addition to range measurements, further physical properties of objects may be derived through analysis of the return impulse. This paper’s intent is to assess the state of the art in waveform signal processing aimed at land cover interpretation. We start with a description of GLAS data structure and follow with a review of specific signal processing techniques that can be applied. Conclusions discuss the state of the art methods from the perspective of practical applications.