Falling sphere-radar mathematical simulation techniques Final report, 15 Dec. - 15 Aug. 1965
Computer program for describing falling sphere trajectory and conversion of sphere trajectory into simulated radar tracking data
PARTICLE TRAJECTORY↗
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An analysis of simulated stereo radar imagery
Simulated stereo radar imagery is used to investigate parameters for a spaceborne imaging radar. Incidence angles ranging from small to intermediate to large are used with three digital terrain model areas which are representative of relatively flat, moderately rough, and mountainous terrain. The simulated radar imagery was evaluated by interpreters for ease of stereo perception and information content, and rank order within each class of terrain. The interpreter's results are analyzed for trends between the height of a feature and either parallax or vertical exaggeration for a stereo pair. A model is developed which predicts the amount of parallax (or vertical exaggeration) an interpreter would desire for best stereo perception of a feature of a specific height. Results indicate the selection of angle of incidence and stereo intersection angle depend upon the relative relief of the terrain. Examples of the simulated stereo imagery are presented for a candidate spaceborne imaging radar having four selectable angles of incidence.
Pisaruck, M. A.↗
A simulation study of scene confusion factors in sensing soil moisture from orbital radar
Simulated C-band radar imagery for a 124-km by 108-km test site in eastern Kansas is used to classify soil moisture. Simulated radar resolutions are 100 m by 100 m, 1 km by 1km, and 3 km by 3 km. Distributions of actual near-surface soil moisture are established daily for a 23-day accounting period using a water budget model. Within the 23-day period, three orbital radar overpasses are simulated roughly corresponding to generally moist, wet, and dry soil moisture conditions. The radar simulations are performed by a target/sensor interaction model dependent upon a terrain model, land-use classification, and near-surface soil moisture distribution. The accuracy of soil-moisture classification is evaluated for each single-date radar observation and also for multi-date detection of relative soil moisture change. In general, the results for single-date moisture detection show that 70% to 90% of cropland can be correctly classified to within +/- 20% of the true percent of field capacity. For a given radar resolution, the expected classification accuracy is shown to be dependent upon both the general soil moisture condition and also the geographical distribution of land-use and topographic relief. An analysis of cropland, urban, pasture/rangeland, and woodland subregions within the test site indicates that multi-temporal detection of relative soil moisture change is least sensitive to classification error resulting from scene complexity and topographic effects.
Ulaby, F. T.↗
Synthetic aperture radar target simulator
A simulator for simulating the radar return, or echo, from a target seen by a SAR antenna mounted on a platform moving with respect to the target is described. It includes a first-in first-out memory which has digital information clocked in at a rate related to the frequency of a transmitted radar signal and digital information clocked out with a fixed delay defining range between the SAR and the simulated target, and at a rate related to the frequency of the return signal. An RF input signal having a frequency similar to that utilized by a synthetic aperture array radar is mixed with a local oscillator signal to provide a first baseband signal having a frequency considerably lower than that of the RF input signal.
Zebker, H. A.↗
A simulation study of the effects of land cover and crop type on sensing soil moisture with an orbital C-band radar
Simulated C-band radar imagery for a 124-km by 108-km test site in eastern Kansas is used to classify soil moisture. Simulated radar resolutions are 100 m by 100 m, 1 km by 1 km, and 3 km by 3 km, and each is processed using more than 23 independent samples. Moisture classification errors are examined as a function of land-cover distribution, field-size distribution, and local topographic relief for the full test site and also for subregions of cropland, urban areas, woodland, and pasture/rangeland. Results show that a radar resolution of 100 m by 100 m yields the most robust classification accuracies.
Dobson, M. C.↗
Using radar image simulation to assess relative geometric distortions inherent in radar imagery
A unique method for observing the relative contributions of backscatter and propagation effects is afforded by radar image simulation. Digital terrain data are used in modeling radar image formation. Backscatter and propagation effects are modeled separately. These are incorporated serially and the image expression of each is noted. Sequences of images are presented illustrating these effects over a range of slopes and angles of incidence. The conclusions reached are that at angles of incidence that are smaller than the average slope of the terrain in a region, propagation phenomena predominate. As the angle of incidence increases beyond this, the radar image portrays an increasingly faithful representation of the backscatter from the ground. It is also demonstrated that digital simulation affords an important tool for evaluating complex interactions between the ground and radar, for training users in radar image interpretation, and for selecting optimum sensor parameters for particular applications.
Kaupp, V. H.↗
Synchronized Radar-Target Simulator
Apparatus for testing radar system generates signals that simulate amplitude and phase characteristics of target returns and their variation with antenna-pointing direction. Antenna movement causes equipment to alter test signal in imitation of behavior of real signal received during tracking.
Chin, B. C.↗
Community Radiative Transfer Model: Implementing A New Cloud Scattering Database and Developing the Forward Radar Module
The Mie theory is used by many fast RT models to estimate the optical properties of single particles. The Mie theory assumes spherical shapes for ice or snow particles with mixture of air and ice. However, hydrometeors scattering radiation at microwave frequencies have different shapes, sizes, and orientations. Therefore, using Mie theory to determine their optical properties leads to large uncertainties in all-sky radiative transfer calculations. The discrete dipole approximation (DDA) which approximates the optical properties of large objects in terms of discrete dipoles has shown promises in calculating the scattering properties of particles with different shapes in the microwave frequencies. The goal of the research was to enhance the CRTM scattering calculations for frozen hydrometeors in the microwave frequencies using the DDA technique. Given that such optical properties cannot be practically calculated on the fly, pre-computed look-up tables need to be implemented into the fast RT models to calculate the scattering properties of these particles using the DDA technique and the inputs provided by the users. Therefore, we implemented such pre-computed DDA databases into CRTM. In addition to using stand-alone CRTM calculations using collocated ATMS and reanalysis profiles, the data assimilation experiments conducted using the NOAA FV3GFS forecast system will be used to evaluate the scattering improvements. Additionally, we used the backscattering information from the DDA database to implement a radar simulator into CRTM. The radar operators takes advantage of CRTM different modules to calculate clouds absorption and scattering properties. In addition to the forward model both adjoint and tangent linear of the radar simulator are implemented and evaluated as well. The radar simulator is currently being tested within the JEDI/GEOS data assimilation framework to facilitate the assimilation of radar measurements such as CloudSat CPR and GPM DPR into the NASA GEOS model.
Isaac Moradi↗
Recent Developments in the Assimilation of Microwave and Radar Observations Into NWP Models
Microwave observations play a very important role in improving the weather forecasts. Although these observations are routinely assimilated into NWP models in clear-sky conditions, assimilation of all-sky microwave observations is very limited. Two main factors contributing to this limitation are inaccuracy in the input cloud and hydrometeor profiles used as input to the radiative transfer model and also error in scattering calculations performed by the radiative transfer model itself. The Mie theory is used by many fast RT models to estimate the optical properties of single particles. The Mie theory assumes spherical shapes for ice or snow particles with mixture of air and ice. However, hydrometeors scattering radiation at microwave frequencies have different shapes, sizes, and orientations. Therefore, using Mie theory to determine their optical properties leads to large uncertainties in all-sky radiative transfer calculations. The discrete dipole approximation (DDA) which approximates the optical properties of large objects in terms of discrete dipoles has shown promise in calculating the scattering properties of particles with different shapes in the microwave frequencies. This presentation focuses on recent advancements in the CRTM scattering calculations for frozen hydrometeors in the microwave frequencies using the DDA technique. In addition to using stand-alone CRTM calculations using collocated ATMS and reanalysis profiles, the data assimilation experiments conducted using the NOAA FV3GFS forecast system are used to evaluate the scattering improvements. Additionally, the backscattering information from the DDA database was used to implement a radar simulator into CRTM. The radar operator takes advantage of CRTM different modules to calculate clouds absorption and scattering properties. In addition to the forward model both adjoint and tangent linear of the radar simulator are implemented and evaluated as well. The radar simulator is currently being tested within the JEDI/GEOS data assimilation framework to facilitate the assimilation of radar measurements such as CloudSat CPR and GPM DPR into the NASA GEOS model.
Isaac Moradi↗
Cloud model-based simulation of spaceborne radar observations
Simulations of observations from potential spaceborne radars are made based on storm structure generated from the three-dimensional (3D) Goddard cumulus ensemble model simulation of an intense overland convective system. Five frequencies of 3, 10, 14, 35, and 95 GHz are discussed, but the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission precipitation radar sensor frequency (14 GHz) is the focus of this study. Radar reflectives and their attenuation in various atmospheric conditions are studied in this simulation. With the attenuation from cloud and precipitation in the estimation of reflectivity factor (dBZ), the reflectivities in the lower atmosphere in the convective cores are significantly reduced. With spatial resolution of 4 km X 4 km, attenuation at 14 GHz may cause as large as a 20-dBZ difference between the simulated measurements of the peak, Z(sub mp) and near-surface reflectivity, Z(sub ms) in the most intense convective region. The Z(sub mp) occurs at various altitudes depending on the hydrometeor concentrations and their vertical distribution. Despite the significant attenuation in the intense cores, the presence of the rain maximum is easily detected by using information of Z(sub mp). In the stratiform region, the attenuation is quite limited (usually less than 5 dBZ), and the reduction of reflectivity is mostly related to the actual vertical structure of cloud distribution. Since Z(sub ms) suffers severe attenuation and tends to underestimate surface rainfall intensity in convective regions. Z(sub mp) can be more representative for rainfall retrieval in the lower atmosphere in these regions. In the stratiform region where attenuation is negligible, however, Z(sub mp) tends to overestimate surface rainfall and Z(sub ms) is more appropriate for rainfall retrieval. A hybrid technique using a weight between the two rain intensities is tested and found potentially usefull for future applications. The estimated surface rain-rate map based on this hybrid approach captures many of the details of the cloud model rain field but still slightly underestimates the rain-rate maximum.
Yeh, H.-Y. M.↗
The KSU Acoustic Simulator for Radar Studies
Equipment and instrumentation for acoustic simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation and radar systems design studies
RADAR SYSTEM↗
LM radar reflectivity simulation Final report
Ultrasonic simulation of lunar module radar reflectivity
Chia, R. F.↗
Image synthesis for SAR system, calibration and processor design
The Point Scattering Method of simulating radar imagery rigorously models all aspects of the imaging radar phenomena. Its computational algorithms operate on a symbolic representation of the terrain test site to calculate such parameters as range, angle of incidence, resolution cell size, etc. Empirical backscatter data and elevation data are utilized to model the terrain. Additionally, the important geometrical/propagation effects such as shadow, foreshortening, layover, and local angle of incidence are rigorously treated. Applications of radar image simulation to a proposed calibrated SAR system are highlighted: soil moisture detection and vegetation discrimination.
Holtzman, J. C.↗
Simulation of radar reflectivity and surface measurements of rainfall
Raindrop size distributions (RSDs) are often estimated using surface raindrop sampling devices (e.g., disdrometers) or optical array (2D-PMS) probes. A number of authors have used these measured distributions to compute certain higher-order RSD moments that correspond to radar reflectivity, attenuation, optical extinction, etc. Scatter plots of these RSD moments versus disdrometer-measured rainrates are then used to deduce physical relationships between radar reflectivity, attenuation, etc., which are measured by independent instruments (e.g., radar), and rainrate. In this paper RSDs of the gamma form as well as radar reflectivity (via time series simulation) are simulated to study the correlation structure of radar estimates versus rainrate as opposed to RSD moment estimates versus rainrate. The parameters N0, D0 and m of a gamma distribution are varied over the range normally found in rainfall, as well as varying the device sampling volume. The simulations are used to explain some possible features related to discrepancies which can arise when radar rainfall measurements are compared with surface or aircraft-based sampling devices.
Chandrasekar, V.↗
Mathematical modeling and SAR simulation multifunction SAR technology efforts
The orbital SAR (synthetic aperture radar) simulation data was used in several simulation efforts directed toward advanced SAR development. Efforts toward simulating an operational radar, simulation of antenna polarization effects, and simulation of SAR images at serveral different wavelengths are discussed. Avenues for improvements in the orbital SAR simulation and its application to the development of advanced digital radar data processing schemes are indicated.
Griffin, C. R.↗
Model for optimal parallax in stereo radar imagery
Simulated stereo radar imagery is used to investigate parameters for a spaceborne imaging radar. Incidence angles ranging from small to intermediate to large are used with three digital terrain model areas which are representative of relatively flat, moderately rough, and mountaneous terrain. The simulated radar imagery was evaluated by interpreters for ease of stereo perception and information content, and rank ordered within each class of terrain. The interpreter's results are analyzed for trends between the height of a feature and either parallax or vertical exaggeration for a stereo pair. A model is developed which predicts the amount of parallax (or vertical exaggeration) an interpreter would desire for best stereo perception of a feature of a specific height. Results indicate the selection of angle of incidence and stereo intersection angle depend upon the relief of the terrain. Examples of the simulated stereo imagery are presented for a candidate spaceborne imaging radar having four selectable angles of incidence.
Pisaruck, M. A.↗
Analysis of geologic terrain models for determination of optimum SAR sensor configuration and optimum information extraction for exploration of global non-renewable resources. Pilot study: Arkansas Remote Sensing Laboratory, part 1, part 2, and part 3
Computer-generated radar simulations and mathematical geologic terrain models were used to establish the optimum radar sensor operating parameters for geologic research. An initial set of mathematical geologic terrain models was created for three basic landforms and families of simulated radar images were prepared from these models for numerous interacting sensor, platform, and terrain variables. The tradeoffs between the various sensor parameters and the quantity and quality of the extractable geologic data were investigated as well as the development of automated techniques of digital SAR image analysis. Initial work on a texture analysis of SEASAT SAR imagery is reported. Computer-generated radar simulations are shown for combinations of two geologic models and three SAR angles of incidence.
Kaupp, V. H.↗
Enhancing CRTM All-Sky Simulations and Implementation of A New Active Sensor Module
Microwave observations play a very important role in improving the weather forecasts. Although these observations are routinely assimilated into NWP models in clear-sky conditions, assimilation of all-sky microwave observations is very limited. Two main factors contributing to this limitation are inaccuracy in the input cloud and hydrometeor profiles used as input to the radiative transfer model and also error in scattering calculations performed by the radiative transfer model itself. The Mie theory is used by many fast RT models to estimate the optical properties of single particles. The Mie theory assumes spherical shapes for ice or snow particles with mixture of air and ice. However, hydrometeors scattering radiation at microwave frequencies have different shapes, sizes, and orientations. Therefore, using Mie theory to determine their optical properties leads to large uncertainties in all-sky radiative transfer calculations. The discrete dipole approximation (DDA) which approximates the optical properties of large objects in terms of discrete dipoles has shown promise in calculating the scattering properties of particles with different shapes in the microwave frequencies. This presentation focuses on recent advancements in the CRTM scattering calculations for frozen hydrometeors in the microwave frequencies using the DDA technique. In addition to using stand-alone CRTM calculations using collocated ATMS and reanalysis profiles, the data assimilation experiments conducted using the NOAA FV3GFS forecast system are used to evaluate the scattering improvements. Additionally, the backscattering information from the DDA database was used to implement a radar simulator into CRTM. The radar operator takes advantage of CRTM different modules to calculate clouds absorption and scattering properties. In addition to the forward model both adjoint and tangent linear of the radar simulator are implemented and evaluated as well. The radar simulator is currently being tested within the JEDI/GEOS data assimilation framework to facilitate the assimilation of radar measurements such as CloudSat CPR and GPM DPR into the NASA GEOS model.
Isaac Moradi↗