ANALITICAL IMAGERY MATCHING SYSTEM 
(AIMS) 
An Application Using SAR Imagery 
Steven E. Cooperman, Andrew V. Murphy and Stanford T. Hovey 
Autometric Incorporated 
9205 Leesburg Pike/Suite 1308, Falls Church, VA 22041 
INTRODUCTION 
This paper is an overview of Autometrics Analytical Imagery Matching 
System (AIMS) and is approached from a conceptual rather than a technica 
perspective. In this application the AIMS system is applied to the 
processing of SAR imagery, but as it will become apparent the AIMS 
concept can be applied to a wide spectrum of imaging sensors. 
AIMS is a endeavor to exploit the state-of-the-art technologies of 
Autometrics APPS-IV (with SUPER-P") stereo analytical plotter with 
automated feature extraction/change detection techniques and overall 
artificial intelligence methodologies using digital data, with the intention 
of developing a unique set of capabilities Tor rapid, large volume, accurate 
SAR image exploitation. AIMS brings together the capabilities of- both 
analog as well as digital image processing/exploitation by offering a 
modular set of hardware and software components. It also is a system 
concept where digital Map, Chart, and Geodesy (M,C&G) data is used to 
diectly support image exploitation. 
The SAR user community is being inundated with vast amounts of data, 
both analog and digital. A system that will be able to handle these large 
volumes of imagery quickly and efficiently, will be invaluable. The AIMS 
system provides such an environment for maximum exploitation potential. 
Synthetic Aperature Radar 
SAR has an inherent advantage over other imagery in that the radar 
pulse can pierce most cloud cover and be used in most inclement weather. 
Since it is an active imaging sensor it has night capabilities. The two 
most common imaging radars used in exploitation are SLAR and SAR. 
Radars that radiate at a 90 Jess angle to the direction of flight are 
side-looking airborne radars (SLAR). SLAR can illuminate the terrain 
independent of other sources of radiation. SLAR provides a valuable 
method of reconnaisance and surveillence of the terrain. Mounted on a 
platform, a SLAR system can nage vast areas rapidly and inexpensive 
SLAR produces photographic quality images of the terrain that resemb 
shaded relief maps or low angle oblique photographs. 
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