Using real-time SAR simulation to assist pattern recognition applications in urban areas

In this paper, the impact of current developments in urban modeling and graphics programming to the potential of SAR simulation and interpretation in urban areas is presented. As it will be demonstrated, SAR simulation is feasible in real-time even for complex urban environments by applying modern graphics cards. For this purpose, the SAR geometry is implemented using programmable graphics processing units (GPUs), which are available as standard graphics hardware for 3D acceleration. Originally, the geometric models of urban areas, which provide the database for SAR simulation, were captured to generate realistic visualizations of virtual scenes. As will be demonstrated, such area covering databases can be modified to meet specific requirements of SAR simulations at different scales. Finally, the applicability of our SAR simulation as made available from off-the-shelf hardware components for the analysis and interpretation of SAR scenes by pattern recognition will be demonstrated.