Effect of Apodization on SAR Image understanding

Inhalt:
This paper investigates the impact of the application of apodization techniques to SAR images on the statistical properties of the apodized radar signal and on the capability of extracting information from apodized SAR images. The statistical model for the apodized image is derived in terms of both probability density function and moments. The knowledge of the statistical properties is then used to develop a proper classification scheme of homogeneous regions with different radar cross section in apodized SAR images. The performance analysis shows that the new scheme maintains the information extraction capabilities while at the same time allowing the sidelobe level to be reduced and the mainlobe resolution to be preserved.