Moving Target Indicator (MTI) Radar Target Tracking Using Context Constraints Derived from High Resolution SAR Imagery

Development of new algorithms for improved tracking of MTI data from airborne standoff platforms can be enabled by exploiting additional information extracted from multi-mode radar including both SAR image information and MTI. MTI radar is being increasingly used for tactical battlefield surveillance and several new Systems are reaching ICC which will provide continuous wide area surveillance. Tracking of ground target movement is problematic in MTI radar due to target maneuverability relative to sensor revisit rates. By extracting estimates of ground vehicle mobility constraints from other sources improved track formation and position estimation can be achieved in tracking ground targets. In many tactical situations available area data bases are incomplete for estimation of mobility constraints and radar sensor data (SAR images) may be the primary source of movement context. This project will develop algorithms for image processing and image interpretation which extract estimates of ground vehicle mobility constraints and use these constraints to improve target tracking capabilities. We plan to demonstrate image processing techniques for extracting extended linear (roadway) features from SAR images obtained from the JSTARS system and to demonstrate improved track processing for registered MTI data sets during the Phase I effort. The Army relys on timely battlefield intelligence and surveillance products. Emerging platforms provide radar coverage of ground operations through both MTI and SAR image formation. The product of the research will be improved tracking of individual ground entities using MTI and SAR radar data. Track knowledge and context are critical to many tactical battlefield intelligence and surveillance information products, as well as civilian emergency evacuation planning and control, and treaty and earth resource monitoring.