Target detection on the ground from UAV

In this report, a method is shown that can be used to better understand factors that influence the UAV operators' ability to detect and assess target objects. The focus of this work was to describe factors affecting detection and identification of ground objects on reconnaissance missions using UAVs, establish a comprehensive test plan and conduct an experiment to test the ability to recognize objects from the UAV. The theoretical part describes visual acuity, the NIIRS standard for evaluation of image quality, photogrammetry, image interpretation, vigilance and concepts like orientation, recognition and identification. Furthermore, an experiment was conducted in which participants' task was to detect and assess the number of objects on the ground when a UAV flew over a predetermined area. Response time and ability to assess accurately the number of target objects were evaluated from a visual and an IR sensor. Additionally, zoom level and speed were alternated to evaluate whether they affected the users' ability. The results show that the target objects were discovered significantly faster with the visual than with the IR sensor and that the response was faster when the sensor was zoomed in. The ability to assess the number of targets were affected by type of sensor and air speed. It was easier to assess the number of targets with the visual sensor than with the IR sensor and performance decreased when speed increased from 8 m/s to 13 m/s.