A UAV-Based SAR Raw Data Simulator for Complex Scenes

Abstract

The performance of high resolution SAR systems under degrading conditions such as uncontrolled platform motion can only be analyzed and evaluated by modeling the whole imaging system through simulation. A major scientific problem however, is the generation of SAR raw data in consideration of high numerical and modeling accuracy, as well as restricted computer time and space. This paper proposes a raw data generator for the simulation of a complex scenario containing the natural environment and man-made objects. The algorithm combines the precision obtainable in the time domain and the efficiency working in the frequency domain. The simulated raw data are processed with a modified (ω,k)-algorithm. They are analyzed to quantify the quality of the developed simulation tool.