Joint feature and pixel-based change detection in high resolution SAR data

In this paper, the problem of change detection in road networks from SAR images is addressed. Featurelevel change detection algorithms are still in their preliminary design stage. Indeed, while pixel-based approaches are already implemented into existing, commercial software, this is not the case for feature comparison approaches. As far as the change detection task is concerned, the availability of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data promises high potentialities, thanks both to the insensitivity of SAR imagery to atmospheric conditions and cloud cover issues and to the short revisit time planned for future SAR-based missions. Hence, multitemporal SAR imagery is expected to play a relevant role, for instance, with respect to ecological and environmental monitoring applications or to disaster assessment and prevention.