An adaptive technique for estimating ship motion in SAR data

This paper describes a complete procedure for estimation and compensation of ship motion in SAR data. Our methodology relies on extraction and modelling of the Doppler phase history and power envelope in slow time. The model parameters have a physical interpretation under the assumption that the cruising velocity is constant and that the wobbling is a superposition of simple harmonic terms due to the encountered wave field. All underlying assumptions are carefully analyzed. The accuracy of cruising velocity estimates is analyzed under special conditions. The applicability of the approach to both airborne and spaceborne systems is discussed.