Humanitarian Demining: Comparing Diurnal Landmine Thermal Detection Simulations with Real Field Tests

Landmines pose a significant problem worldwide, claiming lives and causing injuries long after conflicts have ended. Traditionally, landmine detection has depended on methods like metal detectors, manual probes, and trained dogs. These techniques are effective but can be dangerous and slow, often proving costly and time-consuming. A combination of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and thermal imaging offers a safer way to scan suspected areas. The paper tries to simulate the thermal behaviour of (semi) buried landmines and compares it with real tests performed by a UAV equipped with a thermal camera. The goal is to identify the best moment for diurnal detection to maximise time and resources for landmine detection.