3DSAR

3DSAR – Three-dimensional synthetic aperture radar imaging using optimized, complex trajectory of the radar carrier movement

Project funded by the Polish National Science Centre (UMO-2015/19/N/ST7/01506)

The aim of this project is to develop a novel method of obtaining three-dimensional synthetic aperture radar imaging (3D SAR), which would allow the use of small radars with a single antenna, mounted on small carriers such as UAVs or small aircrafts. To achieve this goal the carrier will have to move not in a straight line or in circles but along a trajectory specially designed by calculating initial information about the region of interest (ROI).

The project consists of trajectory determination method, SAR processing, and imaging enhancement method.

The scope of the project is limited to development of analytical and numerical model verified by simulations, however the experiments with an unmanned aerial platform are also planned.

Check also the Project log at ResearchGate!

First step is to determine the trajectory of the radar carrier. The trajectory must be matched to the ROI and to determine it the following must be taken into account:

– radar parameters

– assumed imaging resolution

– radar carrier motion parameters

As the radar carrier flies along the determined trajectory, it emits the sounding pulses. The echo from each pulse is recorded (with precise radar carrier positioning data) and then Backprojection method is used to form a 3D image.

Because of the undersampling of the wave space, the side lobe level of the imaging is high. This is reduced using a Compressive Sensing method – the 3D SL0 algorithm.