Using graphics processing units as stream-processors for real-time simulation of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar images

T. Balz

doi:10.1117/12.872326

3 November 2010 Using graphics processing units as stream-processors for real-time simulation of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar images

T. Balz

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7840, Sixth International Symposium on Digital Earth: Models, Algorithms, and Virtual Reality; 78400L (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.872326
Event: The Sixth International Symposium on Digital Earth, 2009, Beijing, China

Abstract

New commercial high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite systems offer new possibilities for radar remote sensing. SAR images are difficult to understand and the interpretation of SAR images requires theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Fast and interactive SAR simulators can assist the SAR image interpretation training and they are also valuable tools for the SAR image interpretation itself. Using Graphics Processing Units (GPU), it is possible to simulate SAR images in real-time. The single-bounce reflections can be simulated using the rasterization approach. For real-time double-bouncing simulation a GPU based ray-tracing approach can be used. In this approach, the GPU is used as a stream processor and the texture information is interpreted as data elements instead of pixel elements. In this way, a real-time simulation, including single- and double-bounce reflections, can be achieved even for complex scenes.

Citation Download Citation

T. Balz "Using graphics processing units as stream-processors for real-time simulation of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar images", Proc. SPIE 7840, Sixth International Symposium on Digital Earth: Models, Algorithms, and Virtual Reality, 78400L (3 November 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.872326

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available