Validation of ocean target detection by the RADARSAT-1 synthetic aperture radar

Abstract

This paper introduces the experimental results of ship detection by both RADARSAT SAR imagery and land-based RADAR data, operated by the local Authority of South Korea, so called vessel traffic system (VTS) radar. Two fine imagery of Ulsan Port were acquired on June 19 and August 6, 2004 and are processed to detect ships automatically. The candidate target positions are compared with in-situ ship validation information collected field experiments. Our analysis for anchoring ships, above 62 m in length, with AIS indicates a 100 % ship detection rate for the RADARSAT single beam modes.