SAR image data compression using a tree-structured wavelet transform

SAR image compression is very important in reducing the costs of data storage and transmission in relatively slow channels. The authors propose a compression scheme driven by texture analysis, homogeneity mapping and speckle noise reduction within the wavelet framework. The image compressibility and interpretability are improved by incorporating speckle reduction into the compression scheme. The authors begin with the classical set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) wavelet compression scheme, and modify it to control the amount of speckle reduction, applying different encoding schemes to homogeneous and nonhomogeneous areas of the scene. The results compare favorably with the conventional SPIHT wavelet and the JPEG compression methods.