Trial SNAPSHOT: measurements for terrain background characterization

Marilyn A. Gilmore; Alistair A Mitchell; Christopher R. Bell; David J. Thomas; Roger Evans

doi:10.1117/12.392545

24 July 2000 Trial SNAPSHOT: measurements for terrain background characterization

Marilyn A. Gilmore, Alistair A Mitchell, Christopher R. Bell, David J. Thomas, Roger Evans

Proceedings Volume 4029, Targets and Backgrounds VI: Characterization, Visualization, and the Detection Process; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.392545
Event: AeroSense 2000, 2000, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The spatial and spectral characteristics of targets and backgrounds must be known and understood for a wide variety of reasons such as: synthetic scene simulation and validation; target description for modelling; in- service target material characterisation and background variability assessment. Without this information it will be impossible to design effective camouflage systems and to maximise the capabilities of new sensors. Laboratory measurements of background materials are insufficient to provide the data required. A series of trials are being undertaken in the UK to quantify both diurnal and seasonal changes of a terrain background, as well as the statistical variability within a scene. These trials are part of a collaborative effort between the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (UK), Defence Clothing and Textile Agency (UK) and the T.A.C.O.M. (USA). Data are being gathered at a single site consisting primarily of south facing mixed coniferous and deciduous woodland, but also containing uncultivated grassland and tracks. Ideally each point in the scene needs to be characterized at all relevant wavelengths but his is unrealistic. In addition there are a number of important environmental variables that are required. The goal of the measurement programme is to acquire data across the spectrum from 0.4 - 14 microns. Sensors used to include visible band imaging spectroradiometers, telespectroradiometers (visual, NIR, SWIR and LWIR), calibrate colour cameras, broad band SWIR and LWIR imagers and contact reflectance measurement equipment. Targets consist of painted panels with known material properties and a wheeled vehicle, which is in some cases covered with camouflage netting. Measurements have bene made of the background with and without the man- made objects present. This paper will review the results to date and present an analysis of the spectral characteristics fo different surfaces. In addition some consideration will be given to the implications of the data obtained for camouflage design.

Citation Download Citation

Marilyn A. Gilmore, Alistair A Mitchell, Christopher R. Bell, David J. Thomas, and Roger Evans "Trial SNAPSHOT: measurements for terrain background characterization", Proc. SPIE 4029, Targets and Backgrounds VI: Characterization, Visualization, and the Detection Process, (24 July 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.392545

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