Multitemporal SAR image compression

In this paper, we propose a new method for compressing with loss temporal series of SAR images. The algorithm requires a reference scene used as an input in the compression process. The compression is achieved through affine transformations, comparable to the ones used in fractal coding, but applied here in a non-convergent way. Blocks in the image to be compressed are defined by a non-overlapping recursive partition. They are replaced by blocks taken from the reference image on which affine transformations, containing isometries and grey level adjustments, have been applied. This algorithm is very powerful, and outperforms classical algorithms (such that JPEG, EPIC or fractals) at high compression ratio with poor loss of critical information. Some results are presented with RADARSAT Antarctica and sea ice images which can be compressed at 44:1, and brought on icebreaker via an affordable INMARSAT connection, while still remaining of sufficient quality for ship routing usage.