ESTCP Pilot Program - Classification Approaches in Munitions Response
Abstract
The first demonstration of the ESTCP classification pilot program was conducted on the former Camp Sibert, AL. This site was used for 4.2-inch mortar and has generally benign topography and vegetation, allowing the collection of high-quality geophysics data, and benign to moderate geology. Data were collected with four systems: a magnetometer, an EM61-MK2 cart, and EM61-MK2 array, and a next-generation electromagnetic sensor (BUD). Researchers applied classification algorithms to these data to make a determination about whether each item detected was likely to arise from a munitions item or clutter object. All the detected objects were carefully excavated to allow for algorithm training and blind testing of the classification approaches. The pilot program demonstrated successful classification on this simple site. With carefully collected survey data and transitioning physics-based analysis techniques, well over half the detected clutter items were routinely eliminated with high confidence, while retaining all the munitions. In all cases, the classification processing correctly identified all or nearly all the munitions and a significant fraction of the clutter was successfully identified as such with high confidence. Classification processing, applied to data from the commercial instruments, eliminated 45%-70% of the clutter in these examples. When advanced emerging EM sensors were used, nearly perfect results were achieved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 17, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA594295
Entities
People
- Anne M. Andrews
- Herbert Nelson
- Katherine Kaye
Organizations
- Environmental Security Technology Certification Program