Synthetic Aperture Radar
Synthetic Aperture Radar, Wave Theory Foundations, Analysis and Algorithms delivers a comprehensive and in-depth study of the subject. This book covers all major topics related to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) science, systems and software. SAR science is established on a foundation of wave theory. SAR systems for stripmap, spotlight, spotmap, volumetric, inverse, scan, swept, etc. modes are explained. SAR analysis techniques are presented at a detailed mathematical level, including analyses of chirp signals, and both stretch and chirp receiver systems. All SAR algorithm classes are presented: Stolt formatting, polar formatting (including direct and filtered back-projection methods), hyperbolic coherent summing, spherical coherent summing (including direct, filtered and factorized back-propagation versions), range stacking, range-Doppler and chirp scaling. Most SAR algorithms are described with sufficient detail to enable software implementations. Novel methods for volumetric SAR (VolSAR) imaging are presented. The empowerment of diffraction limited VolSAR imaging with swarms of SAR sensors and non-linear flight paths is demonstrated in simulation studies. Coherent fusion of multiband SAR is also demonstrated. Vector and scalar wave motion equations based on Maxwell's equations and acoustic wave dynamics are derived. Electromagnetic and acoustic wave theory principles are used to develop SAR signal models for both differential and integral descriptions of terrain scattering and received backscatter. SAR and computed imaging literature of the last sixty years is extensively surveyed and summarized. Relationships between SAR image formation algorithms and the computed imaging algorithms of holography, diffraction tomography, ray tomography and seismology are explained. Many variations of SAR algorithms that can be found in the literature are organized into a taxonomy that illuminates algorithm relationships. #SARWAVE
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a rigorous, mathematically grounded treatment of SAR that connects wave theory to practical imaging algorithms; you will learn how chirp signals, matched filtering, and Fourier-based transforms produce high-resolution SAR images and how to implement Stolt, polar-format, and back-projection methods. The book balances theory and algorithmic detail so you can both reason about SAR performance and translate methods into working software.
Who Will Benefit
Advanced engineers, researchers, and graduate students working in radar/SAR signal processing who need a deep theoretical foundation and practical algorithms for designing and implementing SAR systems and processors.
Level: Advanced — Prerequisites: Undergraduate/graduate-level signals and systems (Fourier transforms, convolution), linear algebra, basic electromagnetics/wave propagation, familiarity with digital signal processing (sampling, FFT) and programming (MATLAB, Python, or C/C++).
Key Takeaways
- Derive and apply wave-theory foundations to model SAR signal formation and image formation physics
- Implement and compare core SAR imaging algorithms (Stolt interpolation, polar formatting, direct and filtered back-projection, range–Doppler processors)
- Analyze and design chirp waveforms, matched filtering (range compression), and stretch/chirp receiver architectures
- Perform motion compensation and autofocus, and evaluate image quality metrics such as resolution, ambiguity, and speckle
- Apply FFT-based spectral analysis and advanced transforms (including wavelet perspectives) to SAR processing and data reduction
- Adapt algorithms for specialized modes (spotlight, stripmap, inverse/scan, volumetric/3D SAR) and for practical software/hardware implementations
Topics Covered
- 1. Wave Theory Foundations for SAR
- 2. Radar Signal Models and Chirp Waveforms
- 3. SAR Geometries and Imaging Modes (Stripmap, Spotlight, Scan, Inverse, Volumetric)
- 4. Range Compression and Matched Filtering (Stretch and Chirp Receivers)
- 5. Range–Doppler and Omega–K (Stolt) Processing
- 6. Polar-format Algorithms and Direct/Filtered Back-Projection
- 7. Hyperbolic and Spherical Coherent Summation Methods
- 8. Motion Compensation, Autofocus, and Geometric Correction
- 9. 3D SAR, Tomography, and Volumetric Imaging
- 10. Practical Implementation: FFTs, Interpolation, and Efficient Factorizations
- 11. Image Quality: Resolution, Ambiguity, Speckle, and Radiometry
- 12. Advanced Topics: Adaptive Filtering, Statistical Processing, and Wavelet Methods
- Appendices: Mathematical Tools, Coordinate Transforms, and Example Code/Algorithms
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Covers similar mathematical depth to Curlander & McDonough's classic SAR text but places more explicit emphasis on wave-theory foundations and algorithmic variations (Stolt, polar-format, and multiple back-projection factorizations); pairs well with Cumming & Wong for practical implementation examples and software-oriented workflows.
