Lightweight Low-Cost UAV Radar Terrain Mapping

Aerial 3D scene mapping can be done using vision-based methods where many 2D images are combined to create 3D maps. However, these methods have certain disadvantages, especially in scenarios where there is limited or inconsistent lighting, few image features, or fast motion. The low cost and wide availability of automotive 77 GHz allow it to be used in conjunction with unmanned aerial vehicles to achieve terrain mapping with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) techniques. We investigate the feasibility of using such a radar to complement or replace maps generated from vision-based methods. This technique is tested outdoors on a drone flight with real targets.