Using Correlation Maps in a Wide-band Microwave Gpr

Abstract—This paper describes the use of the correlation maps in the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for the detection of near surface objects. This method is based on the definition of bi-dimensional maps that describe the level and the nature of coherence between the received electromagnetic signals. The technique proposed provides the detection of objects, reducing the impact of the clutter and improving the image contrast by an appropriate combination of the information collected in the variance and time coherence of the received signals. The method has been tested in GPR developed by ourselves and described in detail. The implemented GPR system features a high dynamic vector network analyzer (VNA) and a mechanically scanned Vivaldi antenna; the scanning is bi-dimensional, so that A, B and C scans are available.