New automatic techniques for smoothing and segmenting SAR images

Abstract A new algorithm for smoothing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, which is based on the estimation of the most homogeneous neighbourhood around each image pixel, is presented. The algorithm preserves fine details while removing noise along edges as well as in flat areas. An edge detection technique, based on the smoothing algorithm is also presented. Both the smoothing and the edge detection algorithms are implemented in the spatial domain, and without the need to use a threshold value. The performances of the algorithms are compared (qualitatively and quantitatively) with several standard techniques, using real and simulated images.

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