An assessment of hierarchical data fusion using SEABAR'07 data

The results of processing selected runs from the SEABAR'07 multistatic sonar trials dataset through general dynamics Canada's multiple target tracker (MTT) hierarchical data fusion system are reported. The purpose of this exercise was to ascertain the performance potential of the MTT and, by inference, of hierarchical data fusion based tracking generally, against a real multistatic sonar scenario. Selected runs of the original SEABAR'07 dataset have proven themselves well suited to this purpose. Tracking results on these runs are quite positive. To compensate for the lack of a real target in these runs, the SEABAR'07 dataset also includes a modified version, in which the strong echo repeater returns have been replaced by much weaker returns computed using the basis bistatic target aspect model. Tracking results with this modified dataset proved less encouraging. These results suggest that the viability of multistatic sonar tracking using a hierarchical data fusion system like the MTT appears promising, but remains unproven; a calibrated trials dataset containing a real target is required to provide a definitive answer.