Model based ISAR ship classification

This paper describes a method for ISAR image classification, based on a comparison of range-Doppler imagery to supplied 3D ship reference models. This comparison is performed in the image domain by first estimating ship motion for each frame in a sequence of ISAR images. ISAR images are then simulated using this estimated motion applied to some known 3D reference models, and the model image and real images are compared to produce a match score for use in classification. The effect of estimation error in each of the motion parameters is also investigated.