Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and Search and Rescue

Researchers at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing have explored the uses of remotely sensed imagery to assist Search and Rescue in Canada. Studies concentrated on the uses of SAR imagery for the detection and classification of crashed aircraft. This work has supported the feasibility of using such imagery for these purposes, although current spaceborne systems are proving limited in their capabilities. With further development in technologies, improved coverage of the Canadian land-mass of future systems, and improvements in techniques, it will be possible to assist in Search and Rescue for land targets. This is expected to bear fruit for RADARSAT-2 and other future satellite SAR systems.