Multilook Processing Scheme in DVB-T Based Passive SAR Applications

In this paper, digital video broadcasting (DVB-T) transmitters are considered for passive SAR imaging of ground scenarios. A multilook processing scheme is proposed to reduce image noise, to improve the interpretation of the radar image and to make possible the correct detection and area delimitation of scattering targets in the radar scene. A measurement campaign was carried out to analyse and validate the proposed processing scheme. A DVB-T based passive radar was mounted in an EADS CASA C-295M aircraft to generate the synthetic aperture of the receiver. The acquired data was processed under different passive imaging configurations to analyse the radar image quality improvement of multilook processing scheme. Results show the reduction of image noise and the high increase of targets boundaries identification that can be used as a starting point for carrying on further passive SAR scattering characteristics analysis.