Research Progress on Three-dimensional SAR Imaging Techniques

Conventional Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) moves along a straight line and forms a linear synthetic apertures. It can only obtain the two-dimensional (2-D) image of illuminated scene that is the projection of the three-dimensional (3-D) real scene onto a slant plane. The slant plane 2-D SAR image, however, suffers from layover and foreshortening effects. 3-D SAR imaging enables 3-D resolving capability by extending the acquisition of frequency information from 2-D to 3-D. It can obtain the 3-D distribution of scattering centers; therefore, it solves the geometric deformation problems of layover and foreshortening. 3-D SAR imaging has become a trending topic in research on SAR techniques worldwide. In this paper, we first introduced the concept of 3-D SAR imaging and several typical 3-D SAR imaging modes. Furthermore, it provides a discussion on research progress at home and abroad, particularly focusing on the progress of our research team. Finally, future research prospects are presented.