The integration of high resolution DTED, hyperspectral data, and hypermedia data using the terrain analysis system

DTED provides three dimensional surface configuration information which is the critical identifier of landform type. The use of knowledge based, physiographic landform models and the application of various morphometric operators to the DTED can lead to the inference of landform type. Accurate identification of landform type leads to the prediction of probable composition and properties. Thus, knowing landform type should provide key information regarding terrain characteristics for military and civil applications. Hyperspectral data by itself are of little use in landform identification because spectral characteristics relate to surface composition rather than shape. However, spectral information in conjunction with surface configuration can help to identify some landform types. In addition, the use of landform and hyperspectral information together can provide information on surface composition that can then be used to infer soil condition factors. In these situations the interpretation of hyperspectral signatures is significantly more constrained and thus should be more accurate. Landform inferences resulting from the integrated DTED and hyperspectral data are further integrated with hypermedia terrain data consisting of text and imagery. This allows additional inferences to be made regarding landform composition and properties. The integration of these forms of data is investigated using the DARPA funded, prototype Terrain Analysis System (TAS). Examples are presented using several types of landforms. This investigation has been sponsored by the Central MASINT Organization, Spectral Information Technology Applications Center.