Dynamic image simulations for adaptive sensor performance predictions

Comprehensive simulation of multispectral/hyperspectral synthetic imagery captured from a moving aerial platform is necessary for predicting real-life performance of adaptive sensor models. Physics-based modeling and simulation tools are required to synthesize sensor-reaching radiance imagery of an urban scene while incorporating moving vehicular targets, moving platform position & orientation with uncertainty, atmospheric conditions, and time-of-day effects. Trade studies of design parameters can be conducted to compare sensor output image and spectral quality. Orthorectification of direct detector imagery using a digital elevation map can produce registered imagery for target-tracking applications. This paper describes a novel combination of these modeling tools to support end-to-end adaptive sensor design studies.