Coherent change detection in SAR images of harbors with emphasis on findings from container backscattering

The use of Coherent Change Detection (CCD) in analysis of TerraSAR-X images with high fidelity co-registration reveals a rich set of information. In this study, the harbor of Oslo is depicted and three container terminals with different orientation of containers towards the radar have been of special interest. In this paper, results are visualized by use of color composite images where the RGB channels contain day 1 and 2 intensity images and sample coherence, respectively. Extraction of details of container stacking, cluster configuration and rearrangements has been explored. The visualization shows clearly the appearance of various objects in the scene that has been removed, moved in or been replaced from day 1 to day 2 with distinct coloring differences. Examples also present other objects typically found in harbors and their appearance for a more complete understanding of the scene activity and as an important input for monitoring the area and scheduling new recording geometries.