A New and Extensive Thermal Contrast Data Base
Abstract
The performance of thermal sensors against ground targets depends upon the thermal contrast between the particular targets and the backgrounds. This thermal contrast is highly variable and it is background and target specific. It also depends upon the time of day and the weather conditions. In support of Tactical Decision Aid development, a data base which contains thermal contrast as well as weather variables is being converted to computer compatible tape. This data base consists of radiometric measurements of targets, background, and incoming long and short wavelength radiation, as well as on site meteorological measurements made almost continuously over more than a two year period. Standard weather measurements made nearby are also combined with the on site measurements. This paper describes this new data base which can be used to develop or validate thermal contrast models, develop rules of thumb for thermal contrast prediction, validate Tactical Decision Aids or develop statistical distributions of thermal contrast as a function of the time of day or the weather conditions. Keywords: Thermal contrast; Radiometric measurements; Targets; Meteorological measurements; and Backgrounds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA166789
Entities
People
- A. E. Krusinger
- J.E. Rice
Organizations
- Geospatial Research Laboratory