A GIS-driven interactive radar image simulation using EMSARS model

Advances in computer hardware have made significant impact in the remote sensing field. Advanced graphical workstations allow researchers to display processed data in various formats in real time for better understanding of data. The visualization process also greatly facilitates validation of theoretical models for remote sensing and their applications to radar system studies. For example, synthesized radar images can be generated by computer programs instead of using actual hardware. Owing to the complexity of terrain scattering models, past efforts in radar image simulation have often been based on available measurement data with semi-empirical statistical models. In the present work, a graphical simulation program for radar imagery is developed using a first-principle based scattering model named EMSARS (Electromagnetic Model of Scattering Applied to Remote Sensing). It incorporates both volume scattering and surface scattering effects. The simulation program uses as input the complete GIS (Geographic Information System) database, including terrain features and elevation maps as well as detailed ground truth information, and incorporates the effects of shadowing, layover, and penetration loss. A graphical user interface is built for dynamically altering terrain conditions. The use of the simulation tool for evaluating and predicting radar system performance is demonstrated