An end-to-end simulator for high-resolution spaceborne SAR systems

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present an end-to-end simulator for spaceborne high-resolution SAR systems that is capable of simulating realistic raw data and focused images of extended three-dimensional scenes. The simulator is based on precise mathematical modeling of an overall SAR system chain and generates information on the quality of the image data and its suitability to interpret target and background signatures. The principal components of the simulator are: - the generation of an extended scene, including the fully polarimetric scattering behavior of the three-dimensional surfaces, man made objects, and the typical SAR effects like overlay, speckle noise, shadowing;-an accurate SAR sensor simulation (antenna, transmit and receive path);-the generation of the raw data depending on the desired SAR mode (stripmap, spotlight mode);-the image processing and evaluation. The flexible and modular structure allows for adjustment and extension to fulfill different tasks. The most important modules reflecting the basic physical models will be described and simulation results will be demonstrated.