Detecting subpixel targets from hyperspectral images using wavelet transform

We present a new method for detecting subpixel targets from hyperspectral images using wavelet transform. In this paper, we focus on cases where the spectral information is available and the observed target signatures are close to that of the background. In the present approach, instead of using the spectral information directly, we wavelet transform the spectrum of each spatial pixel and perform the analysis in the wavelet domain. The signatures of the true target and the background contaminants can be well separated in the wavelet domain if the spectral signature of the target is quasi-localized in the spectral domain. This paper exploits this concept to detect weak, subpixel targets.