Clutter Identification Using Electromagnetic Survey Data

MR-201001

Objective

The objective of this project is to demonstrate that electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey data can be processed using position error tolerant techniques to reliably distinguish between anomalies from buried munitions and those from clutter items. Reliable classification of targets detected during digital geophysical mapping of a military munitions response site can lead to significant cost savings during the excavation and recovery phase.

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Technology Description

Position error tolerant algorithms will be demonstrated for processing EMI survey data to classify targets as UXO or clutter. The algorithms include procedures for extracting target features directly from unmapped survey data, using library matching procedures to identify the target, and estimating target size. During the course of the project, a baseline of what can be achieved with standard EM61 survey data will be established, the performance improvements that can be achieved using advanced TEM sensors will be determined, and how performance varies among different sites will be documented.

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Benefits

The latest EMI technologies for classifying buried targets operate in a cued interrogation mode. Classification quality data can only be collected while the sensors are stationary. The sensors must be delivered to targets that have already been detected in a geophysical survey. This project is demonstrating procedures for reducing the number of targets that have to be interrogated this way by screening the initial survey data to identify high confidence clutter items that then do not require further attention. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2013)

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Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Thomas Bell

SAIC

Phone: 703-312-6288

Fax: 703-414-3904

Program Manager

Munitions Response

SERDP and ESTCP

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.