Coherent Change Detection (CCD) combines two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images of a scene taken at different times and creates a new image that highlights the differences between the SAR images. Current CCD radar techniques require the platform to fly the same orbit path repeatedly in order to collect multiple images of the scene from the same geometry. Once the images are collected, however, alignment can be difficult to achieve due to a variety of factors. IMSAR is proposing to augment the capabilities of our Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-9 CCD mode to support the collection SAR CCD data using randomized and non-repeating orbits. IMSAR will perform a data collection and then analyze the data using several CCD processing variations. IMSAR will also further develop its current state-of-the-art CCD algorithms to push the boundaries of CCD and make them less stringent than currently required.
Benefit: Providing extended CCD capabilities is important to virtually any military application. It allows for using multiple assets to monitor troop and equipment movements while minimizing the risk of having safety compromised in a hostile environment. These benefits can also be applied to fire monitoring/support and search and rescue missions. CCD is useful for fighting fires by monitoring the movement of the fire line. In rescue missions, it is also possible that search planes may cover different areas at different altitudes. CCD often allows for animal/human tracks to be found, so the ability to apply CCD to such rescue operations can be of great benefit. IMSAR has the necessary marketing expertise, both in-house and through consulting agencies, to commercialize the proposed CCD improvements to IMSARs radar systems.
Keywords: Radar, Radar, Orbit, imagery, synthetic aperture radar, SAR, detection, Coherent change detection, CCD
