Bistatic SAR/GISAR/FISAR Geometry, Signal Models and Imaging Algorithms

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Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar (BSAR) Survey

In this chapter, an overview of recent results on the scope of the bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BSAR) technology is presented. Emphasis is put on different BSAR geometries, methods, models and algorithms for signal processing and image extraction.

1.1. Introduction and main definitions

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a coherent imaging technique capable of generating high-resolution images of stationary and moving targets on the ground, and it is an important tool in military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance [GRI 03, STO 09, CHA 08, NIE 08, WU 09, LIM 08]. With the advancement of sophisticated SAR signal processing and imaging methods, more specialized radar configurations and problems are being studied within the framework of SAR systems [LAZ 12c, LAZ 12e].

Bistatic synthetic aperture radars are a subclass of SAR systems. Based on the specific advantages of BSAR configurations in comparison with monostatic systems, such as the increased information content of BSAR data with regard to feature extraction and classification, it has been intensively researched over the last 20 years. This research could be worthwhile, e.g. for topographic features, surface deposits and drainage, to show the relationships that occur between forest, vegetation and soils. It provides important information for land classification and land-use management. Agriculture monitoring, soils mapping and archaeological investigations could ...