Detection of linear objects in GPR data

In this paper, we propose a semi-automatic approach to the detection of linear scattering objects in geo-radar data sets, based on the 3D radon transform. The method that we propose is iterative, as each detected object is removed from the data set before the next iteration, in order to avoid mutual interference or masking. In addition, the algorithm is able to further analyze the data set in a local fashion in order to eliminate spurious targets from the set of lines of maximum consensus. Our algorithm proved robust and reliable even in the presence of data affected by heavy noise, artifacts and other undesired scattering objects. Although the application scenario of the proposed algorithm is that of the analysis of data sets generated by a ground penetrating radar, the method is general enough to apply to any problems where linear objects needs to be identified and localized in volumetric data. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.