Remote sensing of terrain trafficability

Andrei Abelev

The primary goal of this investigation is the development of new and improvement of the existing methods and models of terrain trafficability prediction based on a combination of several remotely sensed modalities. These include Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Thermal Infra-Red (TIR), and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) techniques. Two field campaigns have been undertaken so far, including a preliminary short exercise at the VA Coast Reserve and an extensive field effort in Queensland Australia as part of joint NRL-DSTO work. Remote (aircraft-based) data collection program was designed together with a ground-based campaign, which included proximity HSI studies, utilizing a new NRL Goniometer instrument, and a comprehensive geotechnical suite of field measurements and sample collection for subsequent laboratory analysis. This talk will focus on description and analysis of these experimental efforts, and the results obtained so far. Additionally, several important findings from laboratory studies of reflectance on field-collected and lab- reconstituted beach sand samples will be discussed.

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