Compressive sensing for super-resolving SAR imaging to support target detection in coastal zone

The main challenges for target detection in oceans, in particular in costal zones, using spaceborne SAR sensors are: 1) the balance of coverage and spatial resolution; 2) sidelobes from strong scatterers along the coast; 3) strong sea clutter. In this paper, we explore the potential of using compressive sensing for SAR imaging to support target detection in coastal zone. Due to the sparse nature of the scenes at coastal zones, compressive sensing can deliver considerable super-resolution power. While promoting sparse solutions, it can also effectively suppress side lobes and clutters. Examples using airborne X-band data and using spaceborne TerraSAR-X data are presented.