Interpreting Digital RADAR Images

Digital radar images have unique characteristics that require specialized tools for proper processing and interpretation.   With the launch of commercial radar imaging satellites during the past decade (Canada?s RADARSAT and the European Space Agency?s ERS-1 and ERS-2), digital radar images are becoming more widely available. Imaging radar systems are active sensors that "illuminate" surface features with broadcast microwave energy and record a returned signal. Most imaging systems produce microwaves with wavelengths between 1 cm and 1 meter. These microwave signals propagate through the atmosphere and clouds with almost no interaction or weakening.

navigate.jpgimporting radar images

navigate.jpgmulti-look processing

navigate.jpgradar image brightness

navigate.jpgenhancing radar image contrast

navigate.jpgspeckle noise

navigate.jpgroughness and radar wavelength

navigate.jpgradar polarization and scattering types

navigate.jpgpolarimetric radar images