The Essentials of SAR

Synthetic Aperture Radar for the Rest of Us

Synthetic Aperture Radar is well known as the imaging tech­nique that can see through clouds and darkness, but SAR remains a confusing and enigmatic sensor. Its images are naturally different from the optical views wired into the human visual system, and SAR has an electrical engineering heritage that is incomprehen­sible to most people.

This book makes SAR clear and appealing to remote sensing students and professionals who do not have advanced degrees in electrical engineering. It uses expansive explanations, nearly three hundred illus­tra­tions and images, simple equations, and even a bit of prose and music to describe how SAR works. It replaces the confusion and intimidation of SAR with clarity and comfort. 

  ∞

SAR has previously only been accessible to big-brain scientists and military analysts. This book changes all that. Tom uses intuitive graphics and simple but precise explana­tions to carry the reader on an amazing journey through the dark arts and sciences of this ingenious invention that sees the planet ‘through storm and dark of night’. The explanations are comprehensive, yet explained in a simple intuitive way.

Dr. Darren Muff, Senior SAR Scientist, ICEYE

Tom’s new book is a revelation. His style is both conversational and accessible, yet he does not skimp on technical detail. I have seen Tom lecture about the beauty of SAR, which he covers brilliantly in his foreword. If you have the opportunity, you must jump at the chance to see him speak in person. In the meantime, get his book and read it.

Dr. Darryl G. Murdock, GEOINT Author and Practitioner

Tom’s writing is a mixture of technical explanations with relatable stories that help the reader follow the journey of learning SAR. This book is an amazing guide and reference to SAR.

Adam Simmons, Project Geospatial

Tom Ager is responsible for demystifying SAR for a whole generation of national security analysts and operators. He helped build the ground swell for what is an essential capability — an all day, all night, all weather sensor. SAR offers our military, intelligence and first responder communities a unique, life-saving asset. The students of Tom Ager insisted on the policy changes and funding needed to make SAR more available. Tom, we all owe you a huge debt of gratitude.

Rob Zitz, RZA Strategies and former US Intelligence Executive