SAR image compression

Abstract

Classical image compression algorithms such as discrete cosine transform (DCT), Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT), and subband decomposition using wavelet filters (SDWF) are well-understood for optical imaging. However, their applications to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images have not been well-studied. This paper applies DCT, KLT and SDWF to raw SAR images after appropriate preprocessing, and compares the results based on three performance criteria, namely energy gain (E/sub C/), transform coding gain (G/sub T/), and peak-to-peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR).