Remote sensing signatures database - challenges and opportunities

Growing use of remote sensing in scientific and forensic analysis requires collecting large quantities of signature data from a variety of sensors requiring various techniques as well as careful consideration of environmental conditions. The quantity of collected signature data continues to grow rapidly and the challenge of storing, classifying, searching and exchanging of signatures has significantly increased. For example, the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Integrated Signatures Program (ISP) has collected approximately one million IR, Raman, Mass Spec, RF and other signatures that must be effectively managed. This paper discusses approaches for standardizing metadata across different phenomenology, data interchange formats, unique identification of signatures, signature quality metrics, facilitating third party analysis tools and large signature library management and distribution. Each of these items must be considered when developing a standard for collected signatures.