Automated Feature/Anomaly Extraction from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Coherent Change Detection (CCD) Imagery

SAR imaging is a key capability for Army programs such as Future Combat Systems and Aerial Common Sensor. Coherent change detection (CCD) is a powerful technique to examine large SAR images and identify areas where enemy activities have occurred. Coherent change detection (CCD) is a powerful technique to examine large sets of SAR images and identify areas where enemy activities have occurred. At microwave frequencies, residual ground disturbances from vehicle or personnel movement through the scene can easily be detected. However temporal decorrelation due to wind blown trees, or natural vegetation disturbances cause changes in the correlation from image to image. Spatial decorrelation due to platform heading and location differences between data collect can also cause false alarms. In addi-tion, continual changes occur in populated regions making it necessary to differentiate military and civil-ian activities