SAR stands for Synthetic Aperture Radar. SAR devices produce a two-dimensional radar image of the earth’s surface, even with clouds. The imaging radar device thus emits radar radiation and, using complex algorithms, converts the radiation reflected by the target into an almost photographic image. This makes it possible for a human being to interpret the images. However, it requires a good understanding of the scattering mechanisms of radar waves. For this purpose, experts from armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) meet every year with their research partners to discuss the current status and to look back on the projects that have been implemented.

Thus 30 participants from the DDPS and the University of Zurich attended the annual review of the research projects SAR and hyperspectral sensory analysis in Thun on 10 February. Research Program Manager Peter Wellig, armasuisse Science and Technology, opened the conference with a welcome address. Following this, researchers from the Remote Sensing Laboratories of the University of Zurich presented the results of their activities last year. They were thus able to report on experiments on drones and planes with radar and hyperspectral research sensors. Interest was shown, for example, in the interpretation of the radar image of the Gösgen nuclear power plant. The radar image of the cooling tower contains numerous image artefacts which have been created by multiple reflections of the radar waves. At the end of the conference, the participants shared their insights and impressions over a stand-up lunch.

For all those present, these annual and face-to-face meetings are extremely important, as they consolidate mutual exchange and promote corporation.