Blackhawk GeoServices Develops Software for Detecting Unexploded Military Objects

Customer Challenge

The military had a need to Unexploded ordinance (UXO) is a serious problem for military service personnel on artillery ranges across the U.S. and in operational theatres around the world.

Solution Achieved

Blackhawk Geoservices, based in Golden, Colorado, is a company with expertise in the detection and mitigation of Unexploded Military Objects (UXO). Using IDL, Blackhawk developed the Multi-Sensor Towed Array Detector System (MTADS) Data Analysis Software (DAS) with the capability of being fine-tuned for individual project requirements.

Once data are collected from the array detector, MTADS DAS uses a preprocessor that detects changes in input parameters such as coil geometry and latencies and to record these changes in a QC file that is read by the MTADS QC REPORT GENERATOR. The application uses two side-by-side displays that allow users to easily pick UXO targets. By using IDL's contouring program and viewing the along track data display next to the gridded data, accurate picks are ensured. The DAS then calls a FORTRAN modeling program to estimate size and depth of the UXO targets.

The final DAS processing stage, postprocessing, distributes targets into grid sizes that fulfill client requirements. The MTADS QC Report Generator then reads all the QC files and produces plots and a report file of noise levels. The data processor will know immediately if there are problems with data quality or if incorrect inputs were used during processing.

MTADS DAS solves the problem of quickly and accurately locating UXO, reducing the risk for service personnel performing their critical global missions. By developing most of the properties of the DAS in IDL, Blackhawk Geoservices saved time and created an application that can be easily customized for unique project needs and easily expanded in-house for future application needs.

Benefits

• Using IDL, military personnel can now locate unexploded targets, mitigating death, injuries, and property damage
• By developing most of the properties of the DAS in IDL, Blackhawk Geoservices saved time and created an application that can be easily customized for unique project needs and easily expanded in-house for future application needs.
• IDL is easily integrated with other programming languages