Comparison of path-following and least-squares phase unwrapping algorithms

This paper presents a comparative analysis of eight phase unwrapping algorithms for SAR interferometry that, in the opinion of the author, encompass the current “state of the art” in phase unwrapping. Four of the algorithms are path-following algorithms, and four are least-squares algorithms. The algorithms are described, and their characteristics, such as execution time and memory requirements, are summarized. The results of the algorithms on eight phase unwrapping problems are then presented, and recommendations for how to use the algorithms in practice are given