Thermal multispectral detection of military vehicles in vegetated and desert backgrounds

Abstract

Recent data collections using an infrared hyperspectral measurement system have provided a significant measurement database of military vehicles in vegetated and desert backgrounds. This paper summarizes the results of a study performed to assess the detection performance potential of multispectral sensors using this database. Specific issues addressed include approaches to optimal band selection; robustness of band combinations with target, background, and environment diversity; and sensor noise requirements. All of these issues are vital to assessing the feasibility and utility of infrared multispectral sensors in operational scenarios.