Optimum edge detection in SAR

Different window configurations and measures for detecting edges between regions of different mean in synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) images are compared. Two criteria for optimisation are considered: (i) maximising the total probability of detecting an edge within a window; and (ii) maximising the accuracy with which the edge position can be determined. Clearly, an ideal edge detector would combine both properties. Maximum-likelihood solutions to the two criteria are discussed and it is shown how they determine the choice of both window configuration and the measure adopted. The performance degradation encountered when the tests are applied to the scenario for which they are not optimised is compared and the test which best meets both original criteria is identified. Combination of the good features of each to yield the best overall performance in a two-stage edge-detection scheme is discussed