Parametric analysis of achievable signal-to-noise ratio of a full-waveform space-based backscatter lidar

Performance analysis of a space-based backscatter lidar for structural measurements of ground vegetation has been undertaken with the purpose of developing a computer tool for the lidar-system simulation/trade-off studies. A realistically achievable system's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) has been estimated. The developed mathematical model describing the end-to-end return pulse propagation takes into account signal- and noise-affecting factors such as laser-beam scattering on the target canopy, atmospheric scattering and the background solar radiation. Spatial full-waveform resolution requirements for retrieving canopy's architecture are evaluated based on canopy structural models. The analysis concept allows to parametrically trade-off system simulation variables such as orbit altitude, laser pulse width, beam footprints, divergence, apertures of transmitting and receiving optics.