A new MTI-SAR approach using the reflectivity displacement method

A new method for moving target detection, localization, and velocity estimation using SAR raw data is presented which allows the determination of the target’s complete velocity vector. The method is applicable if the target has either a tangential velocity ( I l l # 0) or a radial acceleration ( ~ I R # 0), or both. It is based on the analysis of the Doppler rate map which is obtained from the range compressed raw data, applying the Reflectivity Displacement Method (RDM). The tangential velocity of each moving target is obtained from its own Doppler rate and the radial velocity from its own linear range migration. A velocity accuracy better than 3 m/s can be achieved for the airborne case. The method is validated experimentally by the use of real SAR data obtained by DLR’s E-SAR. The paper gives a short description of the state of the art of moving target velocity measurements, introduces the RDM for stationary targets and its extension to the application for moving targets. It furthermore shows experimental results.