5.5 Imaging Geometry

Photographic system geometry

The geometry of radar imaging systems and photographic systems or VIR imaging scanners is very different. Where photographic systems and most scanners employ a central, downward looking sensor and symmetrical geometry, radar imaging systems are characterized by a side looking sensor and asymmetrical geometry.

Scanning system geometry

• H_n = flying height
• = field of view
• f = focal length
• a = size of detector element
• s = length of detector array
• S = length of scan line
• A = resolution in x direction
• B = resolution in y direction

Radar system geometry

• H_n = flying height
• ß = depression angle
• Ø_n = near edge incidence angle
• Ø_f = far edge incidence angle
• s = slant range
• g = ground range
• a = ground range resolution (x direction)
• b = azimuth resolution (y direction)
• e = slant range resolution