SET-277 Workshop on "Phenomenology and Exploitation of Hyperspectral Sensing within NATO"

I. Background

Optical imaging becomes an integral part of military systems as it provides solutions to the whole defense ecosystem including surveillance, intelligence, measurement, monitoring and execution. Hyperspectral imaging advances the imagery knowledge by providing information about the physical and chemical properties of features in the scene.

In the recent years, several initiatives within NATO assessed the importance of hyperspectral technology for various defence and security applications. The SET-190 RTG on ‘Phenomenology and Exploitation of Thermal Hyperspectral Sensing’ successfully conducted an airborne hyperspectral data collection campaign (Pronghorn trial, August 2014) that allows for the first time to assess all the COTS and operational airborne longwave hyperspectral sensors were currently available at that time. This data collection was supported by the deployment of an unprecedented array of ground-truth sensors. The Pronghorn dataset was shared among participating nations of the follow-up RTG, SET-240. This RTG addresses the NATO Long Term Capability Requirement (C-IED, Priorities for the RTB, 18 March 2010) and the NATO RTB Hard Problem (Defeat the CBRNE terrorist threat, Priorities for the RTB, 18 March 2010) by evaluating the use of hyperspectral in mitigating CBRNE/IED threats. Specifically the SET-240 aims the assessment and comparison of advanced exploitation methodologies and algorithms in the detection/identification of CBRNE/IED threats, sharing the results and writing joint recommendations for NATO.

II. Aim

This workshop aims at providing a unique platform for all the recent NATO initiatives involving the hyperspectral technology to share their findings and recommendations, get feedback, discuss of the evolution of the technology and define a way-ahead.

III. Workshop Objectives

• To bring together hyperspectral experts within the defence in order to provide an integrated review of their findings supplemented by the participation of external contributors from other sectors and applications;
• To provide a status to the community concerning the development of emerging hyperspectral technologies and processing techniques;
• To identify best practices and barriers of using hyperspectral technologies within NATO operation.

IV. SCIENTIFIC TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

• Thermal hyperspectral sensing and sensors;
• Atmospheric compensation;
• Target detection and classification;
• Change detection;
• Data compression;
• Spectropolarisation;
• Deep learning;
• Fusion frameworks

V. TECHNICAL PROGRAMME COMMITTEE

VI. Venue and travel Information

The workshop will take place at the conference center of the Belgian Royal Military Academy (BE-RMA). The centre is located at 30, Av. De la Renaissance, 1000 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM. For access information please see: www.rma.ac.be.

Any travel and lodging info are available here.

VII. Publication of Workshop Proceedings

The final publication (Workshop Proceedings) will be at a URL address which will be given later, together with a login and password. This will represent the official reference of the Workshop Proceedings including the presentations, an Executive Summary, and the TER (Technical Evaluation Report). Please take note that CSO reserves the right to print in the Proceedings any paper or material presented at the meeting.

Any questions on the technical aspects of the scientific programme or the contents of papers should be addressed to the Programme Committee Co-Chairs and members.

Questions on the administrative aspects of this Workshop or requests for further information on STO activities should be addressed to the CSO Office:

Ms. Illeana GANZ
Assistant, NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO)
Collaboration Support Office (CSO)
Sensors and Electronics Technology (SET) Panel
BP 25 F-92201 Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex - France
Tel. +33 1 55 61 22 69
E-Mail: illeana.ganz@cso.nato.int