Unsupervised classification of radar images based on hidden Markov models and generalized mixture estimation

Due to the enormous quantity of radar images acquired by satellites and through shuttle missions, there is an evident need for efficient automatic analysis tools. This article describes unsupervised classification of radar images in the framework of hidden Markov models and generalised mixture estimation. In particular, we show that hidden Markov chains, based on a Hilbert-Peano scan of the radar image, are a fast and efficient alternative to hidden Markov random fields for parameter estimation and unsupervised classification. We also describe how the distribution families and parameters of classes with homogeneous or textured radar reflectivity can be determined through generalised mixture estimation. Sample results obtained on real and simulated radar images are presented.