Change detection and detailed analysis of stacking configuration of containers in TerraSAR-X SAR images

This paper analyses two SAR images recorded on different dates of the same container harbor. To understand the detailed structure and stacking order of different areas of the harbor, theoretical and model studies has been applied. These studies revealed the predominant scattering regions of container stacks. This knowledge is used to quantify stacking heights, orientation and steps in the container structure of the two TerraSAR-X SAR magnitude images. Calculations from a change detection algorithm provided an image that emphasized regions in the two where major changes to the stacking configuration were observed. Detailed analysis is focused on a few selected regions resulting in knowledge of numbers of containers moved and structure in the clusters.