Hyperspectral imagery for trafficability analysis

This paper presents a summary of a project assessing the utility of hyperspectral imagery to determine cross-country trafficability in support of military operations. Hyperspectral imagery offers new capabilities to assess cross-country trafficability remotely. Development of recommended methodologies and procedures is the major thrust of this research. The use of spectral signature libraries is planned to help define areas to be avoided, such as areas with significant clay content. Likewise, other more compactable soils such as sandy loam can be located and used as preferred routes. This study develops methodologies and provides demonstrations of how hyperspectral imagery can be applied