A Review of GAN-Based Super-Resolution Reconstruction for Optical Remote Sensing Images

Abstract

High-resolution images have a wide range of applications in image compression, remote sensing, medical imaging, public safety, and other fields. The primary objective of super-resolution reconstruction of images is to reconstruct a given low-resolution image into a corresponding high-resolution image by a specific algorithm. With the emergence and swift advancement of generative adversarial networks (GANs), image super-resolution reconstruction is experiencing a new era of progress. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of comprehensive efforts to bring together the advancements made in the field of super-resolution reconstruction using generative adversarial networks. Hence, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of the super-resolution image reconstruction technique that utilizes generative adversarial networks. Initially, we examine the operational principles of generative adversarial networks, followed by an overview of the relevant research and background information on reconstructing remote sensing images through super-resolution techniques. Next, we discuss significant research on generative adversarial networks in high-resolution image reconstruction. We cover various aspects, such as datasets, evaluation criteria, and conventional models used for image reconstruction. Subsequently, the super-resolution reconstruction models based on generative adversarial networks are categorized based on whether the kernel blurring function is recognized and utilized during training. We provide a brief overview of the utilization of generative adversarial network models in analyzing remote sensing imagery. In conclusion, we present a prospective analysis of forthcoming research directions pertaining to super-resolution reconstruction methods that rely on generative adversarial networks.