Automatic matching of features in Synthetic Aperture Radar data to digital map data.

The large amounts of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data now being generated demand automatic tools for image interpretation. Where available, map
data provides a valuable aid for visual interpretation and it should aid automatic
interpretation. Automatic map based interpretation will be heavily dependent
on methods for matching image and map features, both for defining the initial
registration and for comparing image and map. This thesis investigates methods
for carrying out this matching.
Before beginning to develop image map matching methods, a full understanding of the nature of SAR data is first required. The general theory of SAR
imaging, the effects of speckle and texture on image statistics, multi-look image statistics, and parameter estimation, are all discussed before addressing the
main subject matter.
Initially the feasibility of directly matching map features to SAR image
features is investigated. Simulations based on a simple image model produce
promising results. However, the results of matching features in real images
are disappointing. This is due to the limitations of the image model on which
matching is based. Possible extensions to include texture and correlation are
considered to be computationally too expensive. Rather, it is concluded that
pre-processing is needed to structure the image prior to matching.
Structuring using edge detection and segmentation are investigated. Among
operators for detecting edges in SAR an operator based on intensity ratios is
identified as the most suitable. Its performance is fully analysed. Segmentation using an iterative edge detection/segment growing algorithm developed at
the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment is investigated and various improvements are suggested. The output of segmentation is structured to a higher level
than the output of edge detection. Thus the former is the more suitable candidate for map matching. Approaches to matching segmentations to map data
are discussed.