Study on SAR image simulation based on SRTM DEM and landcover data

This paper discusses the algorithm of ERS SAR image simulation based on SRTM DEM and landcover information. The process of simulation combines two stages. The first stage is to simulate RCS image based on DEM and landcover data. The second stage is to simulate speckle or noise based on statistical properties of SAR images. Several empirical probability distribution functions (PDF) are emphasized and used to describe noise distribution, such as exponential distribution, Log-normal distribution and Weibull distribution. The proposed algorithm is tested on Tianjin area. Keywords-SAR, simulation, SRTM, landcover