POTENTIAL USE OF CHANGE DETECTOR FOR MINE DETECTION PROBLEMS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A002500020051-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 14, 2011
• Sequence Number: 51
• Publication Date: March 19, 1962
• Content Type: MEMO

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SUBJECT: Poteqtial Use of Change Detector for Mine Detection Problems
THRU: U. S. Army Engineer Research and D1
Development Laboratories
ATTN: Chief, Electrical Depar ent
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
TO: U. S. Army Engineer Geodesy, Intelligence
and Mapping Research and Development Agency
ATTN: Chief, Intelligence Division
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
1. The Mine Detection Branch, USAERDL, has an interest in the de-
velopment of a device to display changes in similar photograph scenes
taken at different times. Detection of a minefield on a photograph is
often difficult because ofinhomogeniety of background and poor tone con-
trast between the mine image and its background. Preliminary feasibility
of a change detection system for Mine Detection has been demonstrated by
using a set of photographs taken before and after mine burial in a desert
environment. Examination of the pre- and post-photographs by a "change
detector" clearly deliniates the minefield centerline and the individual
mines. Minefield recognition features that might be observed as a change
on other photographs are: vegetation damage, soil texture disturbance,
soil moisture variation, foot paths, excess soil dump, variation of normn k
agriculture patterns, and deviation in normal human activity.
2. If such a device were available, the Mine Detection Branch would
conduct studies to determine signal-to-noise ration as a function of time
and environment. If significant detection improvement resulted with the
aid of such equipment, then the Mine Detection Branch would initiate
action to have this equipment accepted by intelligence organizations for
the express purpose of improving remote detection of minefields. The
Mine Detection Branch would supply the Intelligence Center with results
achieved for inclusion in the Mine Detection P.I. Manual.
3. In addition to Mine Detection research, the Mine Detection Branch
is (1) cooperating with the National Research Council on a program to use
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ERD-EM
19
SUBJECT: Potential Use of Change Detector for Mine Detection Problems
aerial photography for agriculture purposes and (2) with the Air Force
Technical Applications Center on research to determine damage to vegeta-
tion caused by underground nuclear explosions. Photographic detection of
both the agricultural and nuclear detection problems might be enhanced
by use of change detector equipment.
FOR THE COMMANDER:
STAT
Chief, Mine D ection Branch
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W
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
WASHINGTON 25. D. C.
Director
Ti. S. Army Engineers
Geodesy, Intelligence and
Mapping Research Agency
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
MAa 196?`
Attention: Intelligence Division
The U. S. Geological Survey is making a study of remote sensing
devices and the imagery produced. by such methods as applied to
geologic problems in general. In addition, we are investigating,
on behalf of the AEC and ARPA, the geologic environment of nuclear
test sites and problems related to the VELA UNIFORM program.
Both of these related studies involve time sequence aspects that
require evaluation of a series of images.
Semi-automated image evaluation devices, such as the "Change
Detector" being developed for GIMRADA, may be quite helpful in
our work. We would greater appreciate having an opportunity to
use this equipment whenever it becomes available.
Sincerely yours,
STAT
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U. S. ARMY INTELLIGENCE BOARD
Fort Holabird, Bak t9, Maryland
r
ACSIH-BD
SUBJECT: Change Detector Development
TO: Director
U. S. A. Engineer Geodesy, Intelligence and
Mapping Research and Development Agency
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
6 March 1962
1. Based upon discussions with personnel of your Intelligence
Division, the study and review of reports, proposals, and requirements of
combat intelligence, this Board desires to express its interest in the
continued development of a change detector. Such a device would be used
to analyze the output of various aerial photographic devices now under
development or procurement. Its applicability to radar and infrared
imagery is also of interest. Your Agency is encouraged to continue
this development and to obtain one change detector for Army use.
2. A change detector is an item of distinct value to combat intelli-
gence, for it will serve as a photo interpretation screening device capable
of screening large quantities of imagery and identifying all areas of
change. As such, it would be capable of revealing all changes that have
taken place between two successive photo missions over the same area.
From a combat intelligence standpoint, it would provide a means for
ascertaining movement, into or out of an area, of troops, vehicles,
weapons and equipment. It could be useful in the detection of minefields
and many other items of interest to combat intelligence. It should
constitute a useful addition to the tools of intelligence.
Acting President
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