: This paper proposes a new algorithm referred to as the Wavelet Packet-based Embedded Block coding (WPEB) scheme for SAR data compression. This algorithm combines the following properties: (1) wavelet packet decomposition is adopted to exploit middle and high frequency components associated with SAR data; (2) block coding is utilized to improve DWT coefficient coding efficiency by adaptively allocating more bits to regions of importance with higher information content (e.g. more contrast, edges); (3) speckle reduction is built into the bit allocation scheme by using wavelet transform denoising. Examples are given using RADARSAT data, which show that the compression performance is better than conventional wavelet methods and visual image interpretation is acceptable at 1 bpp.
Ian G. Cumming, Jing Wang