Developing a Hyperspectral Non-Technical Survey for Minefields via UAV and Helicopter

The main topic discussed in this paper is the research, development, and implementation of hyperspectral remote sensing technology in humanitarian mine action (HMA), mainly for non-technical survey (NTS) from aerial platforms. NTS should be conducted to determine whether landmines or unexploded ordnance (UXO) exist in considered areas and whether clearance is needed and if so, in what scope. The availability of the hyperspectral sensors (2011–2012) that are suitable for use with multi-engine unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) enabled the development of systems for HMA. While large and costly airborne hyperspectral systems have been available for over two decades, they had little to no impact on HMA. Optical spectroscopy brought out interest in the relationship between vegetation and explosives, and this relationship is considered herein. Therefore, we briefly analyzed the state of landmine detection via hyperspectral technology, particularly the efforts to detect the mines due to the influence of explosives on vegetation reflectance spectra.