Open source tools for ATR development and performance evaluation

James M. Baumann; Ronald L. Dilsavor; James Stubbles; John C. Mossing

doi:10.1117/12.477019

25 July 2002 Open source tools for ATR development and performance evaluation

James M. Baumann, Ronald L. Dilsavor, James Stubbles, John C. Mossing

Proceedings Volume 4726, Automatic Target Recognition XII; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.477019
Event: AeroSense 2002, 2002, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Early in almost every engineering project, a decision must be made about tools; should I buy off-the-shelf tools or should I develop my own. Either choice can involve significant cost and risk. Off-the-shelf tools may be readily available, but they can be expensive to purchase and to maintain licenses, and may not be flexible enough to satisfy all project requirements. On the other hand, developing new tools permits great flexibility, but it can be time- (and budget-) consuming, and the end product still may not work as intended. Open source software has the advantages of both approaches without many of the pitfalls. This paper examines the concept of open source software, including its history, unique culture, and informal yet closely followed conventions. These characteristics influence the quality and quantity of software available, and ultimately its suitability for serious ATR development work. We give an example where Python, an open source scripting language, and OpenEV, a viewing and analysis tool for geospatial data, have been incorporated into ATR performance evaluation projects. While this case highlights the successful use of open source tools, we also offer important insight into risks associated with this approach.

Citation Download Citation

James M. Baumann, Ronald L. Dilsavor, James Stubbles, and John C. Mossing "Open source tools for ATR development and performance evaluation", Proc. SPIE 4726, Automatic Target Recognition XII, (25 July 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.477019

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