Classification of Hyperspectral Imagery Using GPs and the OAD Covariance Function with Automated Endmember Extraction

In this paper we use a machine learning algorithm based on Gaussian Processes (GPs) and the Observation Angle Dependent (OAD) covariance function to classify hyper spectral imagery for the first time. This paper demonstrates the potential of the GP-OAD method for use in autonomous mining to identify and map geology and mineralogy on a vertical mine face. We discuss the importance of independent training data (i.e. a spectral library) to map any mine face without a priori knowledge. We compare an independent spectral library to other libraries, based on image data, and evaluate their relative performances to distinguish ore bearing zones from waste. Results show that the algorithm yields high accuracies (90%) and F-scores (77%), the best results are achieved when libraries are combined. We also demonstrate mapping of geology using imagery under different conditions of illumination (e.g. shade).