Year
2007
Abstract
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a patented method for content-based indexing and retrieval of large-format, high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery. An automated feature extraction method is used that generates a unique and specific structural description of each segment of a tessellated, large-format image file. These tessellated1 regions are then merged into similar groups, or subregions, based on structural content and indexed to provide flexible and varied retrieval in a queryby- example search environment. This method enables a large image library to be efficiently assembled and indexed to perform content-based retrievals that will accommodate searches for specific spatial structures related to man-made and natural objects in the geospatial domain. A potential safeguards application for the technology resides with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA relies on all-source information acquisitions and broad data fusion and analysis coupled with effective inspection implementation for the detection of undeclared nuclear activities. In 2006, the IAEA Secretariat issued a set of recommendations in support of the Board of Governors’ call for an expansion of its technical capabilities, including the need for enhanced imagery analysis capabilities. Satellite imagery has become an important asset to safeguards—providing spatial, spectral, thermal, and temporal information over extended periods of time. The challenge is to optimize the use of the many available technologies and to integrate tools with analysis. This geospatial indexing capability has been successfully used in other image-related applications for semiconductor and biomedical industries and has a strong potential to enhance the IAEA’s safeguards capability. This paper introduces the method, briefly describes the software architecture, and suggests possible uses for nuclear nonproliferation and the detection of undeclared facilities. More importantly, if adopted, this method may provide the means of integrating data and analysis in a tool for safeguards analysts.