This paper presents the terrain cover classification from combining SPOT with SAR fractal images. Due to its special geometric characteristics, SAR image needs special geometry ratification before the process of overlaying with other types of imagery is proper and feasible. In this study, we intend to develop and verify a simple model to compensate for the elevation effect in the SAR image. Besides, operations of radiometric calibrations are necessary to perform three-term corrections including elevation antenna gain pattern, local incident angle variations, and range spreading compensation. The important finding is that fractal information significantly improves the discrimination capability of the heterogeneous area such as in urban regions, while it slightly degrades accuracy for homogeneous areas, such as open water. The overall classification performance can make to results that are much superior to those in production by use of SPOT image only. The integration of SAR fractal image and SPOT data for terrain cover classification proves to be effective and efficient.
