Analysis of Multi-Axis, Multi-Coil Electromagnetic Induction Sensor Data for UXO Discrimination

MR-200910

Objective

Differentiating between unexploded ordnance (UXO) and clutter using shape information derived from conventional electromagnetic induction (EMI) data has proven challenging. Basically, it is not possible to routinely collect data with sufficient positional precision to invert for meaningful model parameters. The impact on the Department of Defense (DoD) is clear—and expensive. The widespread view that discrimination is not possible drives the requirement that all detected objects must be assumed to be ordnance and removed with appropriate caution. This in turn drives the total cleanup cost, which some estimate to exceed $1 billion. Differentiating between targets of interest (TOI) and those that are not is, therefore, paramount to reducing cleanup costs. The discrimination problem, however, is multifaceted and advances are occurring along multiple fronts, including process acceptance by buyers, advanced sensor technologies, and data analysis capabilities. The objective of this project is to combine the latest analysis routines with the latest EMI sensor technologies to reliably discriminate between TOI and non-TOI.

Back to Top

Technology Description

The technology to be demonstrated builds on past characterization and classification software for UXO applications that were designed, developed, and demonstrated under ESTCP project MR-200210. In that project, physics-inspired inversion routines for magnetic and EMI data were merged with statistical classification routines and embedded into Oasis montaj, a commercial mapping, processing, and visualization software package for earth sciences. During the recent ESTCP Discrimination Pilot Study at Camp Sibert, a commercial contractor produced very good discrimination performances using UX-Analyze on EM61 data. During the past few years, however, a number of multi-axis and/or multi-coil EMI sensor technologies have shown remarkable discrimination improvements over the EM61 sensors. In this effort, the project team will demonstrate that data analysis routines embedded into commercial data processing and analysis software can utilize geophysical sensor data acquired by these new sensors to discriminate between hazardous TOI and nonhazardous, non-TOI, based on inverted shape information.

Back to Top

Benefits

This project will benefit DoD by providing the means to reduce or redirect excavation costs by quantitatively differentiating items that are TOI at a given site from those that are not. The estimated $1 billion-plus cost of reclaiming land contaminated with UXO is significantly affected by the costs associated with excavating all objects—even those that pose no harm. This project directly addresses the discrimination piece by developing calibration corrections for multiple state-of-the-art EMI sensors and providing a common, capable, and transparent environment for data analyses that is commercial, professional, and modular. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2012)

Back to Top

Project Documents

Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Dean Keiswetter

SAIC

Phone: 919-677-1560

Fax: 919-678-1508

Program Manager

Munitions Response

SERDP and ESTCP

Project Documents

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.