A stripmap to spotlight data converting algorithm

In this paper, a data converting algorithm (DCA) that is capable of transforming synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data collected in strip-mapping mode to spotlight mode is presented. Spotlight image formation algorithms (IFA) such as the range migration algorithm (RMA) and the polar format algorithm can then process the converted SAR data. The principle behind the DCA is to compensate for the difference in the spectral properties of the Doppler spectrum between the two modes of SAR imaging. The compensating equation is derived from the difference of the phase of the demodulating signal equations for the two different modes. The DCA has been implemented on a SUN workstation and used to process real (DLR ESAR-2) data. The results of the simulations are presented.