Statistical Modeling Methods of Single-channel Complex-valued SAR Images for Ship Detection

Abstract

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which features rich imaging modes, wide coverage, and high resolution, is an effective technique for long-term, dynamic, and large-scale monitoring of the ocean. Under the assumption of fully developed speckle, traditional ship detection methods in single-channel SAR images focus mainly on amplitude information. Since conventional assumptions are not strictly true in high-resolution situations, this prevents the full investigation of phase or complex-valued information in single-channel SAR images. In this paper, with a focus on ship detection applications, we categories the methods used in the statistical modeling of single-channel complex-valued SAR images as amplitude-, phase-, or complex-valued-based. After providing a brief overview of amplitude statistical modeling methods, we focus on phase and complex-valued statistical modeling methods of single-channel SAR images, describing their modeling processes and parameter estimation methods. We then present the results of our recent ship detection research based on complex-valued statistical information in single-channel SAR images and make suggestions regarding future research.