Using Sandia's Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Coherent Change Detection (CCD) capability, experts are able to compare before and after images to determine if there were any changes in activity. Coherent Change Detection (CCD) is able to detect activity where an optical image, or even a standard Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image, may not be able to provide any intelligence.

Sandia's Synthetic Aperture Radars (SARs) offer valuable intelligence for facilities and border protection missions, including the ability to identify security threats along the border.

Using Sandia's MiniSAR technology, analysts are able to identify hidden threats and can effectively screen large areas to determine safe landing strips for emergency air vehicles. The New York Air National Guard employs a fully-fieldable system that is used to make the task of supplying remote camps easier and the conduction of emergency operations safer and more efficient.

Using Stripmap Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), accurate imagery of oil spills have been obtained by peering through optical obstructions such as clouds, smoke, dust and water. The ability to obtain an accurate depiction of the situation in real-time has enabled more informed decision-making to help manage oil spills and prevent further issues. Oil spills are only one example of the many environmental applications that are well suited for Sandia’s Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems.

As a part of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Sandia and its partners helped map 98% of both polar regions of the moon by developing a space-qualified, high-resolution imaging system capable of identifying subsurface water-ice deposits, and mapping the permanently shadowed regions of the moon. Sandia has also developed several other space application concepts for a broad range of space missions.

The Sandia-developed Rapid Terrain Visualization (RTV) Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR) has produced Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) Level 4 elevation models (3-m post spacing) in near real-time. The system has imaged 125 square nautical miles in each of its multiple 6-hour missions, and the data was delivered to the user within 8 hours of landing.

Sandia is working on advanced radar concepts to detect, locate and characterize targets of interest in the maritime and littoral environment. Conventional Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is limited because of a ship's constant motion. Sandia has worked to understand the nature of ship motion to tackle this problem in order to develop targeted modes and algorithms prime for maritime and littoral missions.

Velocity Independent Continuous Tracking Radar (VICTR) combines a tracker with historically distinct radar modes to achieve tracking of targets through all ranges of motion, including stopped, in all-weather, day or night. VICTR uses data from a single unified processing stream combined with advanced algorithms to cross cue VideoSAR for stationary and slow movers (including dismounts) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) for moderate to fast movers to facilitate previously unachievable tracking of high-value targets in all conditions.

Sandia continues to be a leader in developing and fielding the next generation of world class Surveillance and Reconnaissance (S&R) systems to meet the military’s need for all-weather, day-and-night imaging. Sandia radars have demonstrated real-time Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image-formation and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) for multiple and simultaneous targets.

Sandia, working with government partners, is providing technologies to the warfighter that locate and help defeat Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). These technologies are directly linked to saving the lives of many service men and women in theater.
IED detector developed by Sandia Labs being transferred to Army

Sandia's systems can statistically model normal "Patterns of Life" at frequently visited areas and provide information on Activity Based Intelligence (ABI). This helps decision makers to understand and compare expected and unexpected activity within specific situations.