HYBASE: HYperspectral BAnd SElection

Band selection is essential in the design of multispectral sensor systems. This paper describes the TNO hyperspectral band selection tool HYBASE. It calculates the optimum band positions given the number of bands and the width of the spectral bands. HYBASE is used to assess the minimum number of spectral bands that is required to get the best target background contrast. The band selection algorithm is described along with a description of the graphical user interface. HYBASE is tested on a representative dataset. The test results shed new light on the optimum band selection. HYBASE is developed for the Royal Netherlands Army to investigate the benefit brought by hyper- or multispectral sensors in comparison to present day broad band sensors. HYBASE is tested in European field trials.