Deep Learning and Multiview-Based Detection of Scatterable PFM-1 Landmines: Performance, Out-of-Sample Evaluation, and Field Readiness

The detection and classification of scatterable landmines present a significant challenge for humanitarian demining, particularly in resource-constrained regions. This paper evaluates the use of a deep learning-based strategy using RGB imagery and the YOLOv11 algorithm to detect the most commonly deployed PFM-1 landmines, with the overarching goal of applying this approach to the broad category of scatterable landmines. RGB image-based YOLOv11 detection showed strong precision (78–91%) and recall (76–88%) against validation data for several model variants. Additionally, 3D-printed, paint-matched replicas of PFM-1 landmines were used provisionally as part of out-of-sample (OOS) testing to assess the realistic value of this methodology in the field, along with an inert PFM-1 mine. This demonstrated the potential for 3D-printed replicas to be used as part of the training and assessment process due to their low-cost, scalable, and safe approach, highlighting strong precision (74–80%) but weaker recall (14–24%). Additional edge deployment was tested using the model to demonstrate its capability in locating a minefield using trigonometric relationships and kernel density relationships, further supporting this method in non-technical, first-pass landmine sweeps. These results demonstrate that OOS evaluation is critical in humanitarian demining research to ensure that detection systems are truly field-ready and operationally reliable. This study provides a replicable workflow for deep learning tasks related to surface-laid landmines that can be deployed on edge devices for use in non-technical surveys.