Landmine Detection

ThetaProbe was used in an ITEP project to assist in the testing of a multisensor mine detector. ITEP is the International Test and Evaluation Program for Humanitarian Demining and its mission is to develop standards, test materials and methods, and spread this knowledge to interested parties. ITEP contributes to the resolution of the global landmine problem by developing better, safer, and more cost-effective equipment and methods.

Despite the ban on production, stockpiling or use of anti-personnel landmines, they still pose a threat to people living and working in affected areas such as Mozambique, Bosnia and Cambodia.

New multisensor detectors aim to reduce the number of false alarms faced by a deminer using a traditional metal detector, by reducing sensitivity to the thousands of tiny fragments of metal often found in the ground.

The new detectors use an additional sensor in combination with a metal detector to locate buried objects. In this trial, the additional sensor was a ground-penetrating radar which assists with the rejection of tiny fragments of metal. As the radar's performance is affected by soil moisture content, a ThetaProbe and HH2 Moisture Meter were used to monitor this throughout the trial.

For further information about the work of ITEP, see: www.itep.ws.