Turning field measurements into better detection capabilities

Field research · DOVO 2026

4DPL researchers collecting field measurements with a handheld sensor rig, laptop and positioning equipment at DOVO. — The 4DPL team collecting field data at DOVO in Meerdaal.

When: 6–9 October 2026
Where: Meerdaal, Belgium
Research: Five projects, one campaign

Four days of field measurements. Five research projects. A shared ambition: to turn valuable data into better detection capabilities.

From 6 to 9 October 2026, the 4D Perception Lab (4DPL) conducted a major measurement campaign at DOVO in Meerdaal, Belgium. Working alongside our partners and the DOVO teams, we collected a substantial dataset to support research into the detection of explosives and their traces, camouflaged objects, and landmines.

From field data to detection algorithms

The campaign brought our research into the field, with measurement activities spanning outdoor scenes, camouflage setups and close-range observations. Together, these measurements provide valuable material for advancing detection methods across several complementary research areas.

The next step is to put this dataset to work. The collected data will contribute to the development and training of advanced detection algorithms, supporting 4DPL’s ongoing work in hyperspectral imaging, perception and AI for defence research and mine action.

One campaign, five research projects

The measurement activities supported five projects, connecting research efforts across European and Belgian funding programmes. Explore each project to learn more about its objectives.

Inside the campaign

Camouflage netting, clothing and a mannequin arranged on a field at the measurement site. — Camouflage materials and targets set up for field measurements.

Two researchers using a handheld measurement probe and a laptop inside a bus. — Close-range measurements during the campaign.

4DPL researchers operating a sensor rig and laptop beside protective barriers at DOVO. — Collecting data across the outdoor measurement site.

A team member enjoying a coffee during a break at the measurement site. — A well-earned pause between measurement sessions.

A shared effort

This campaign was made possible by the excellent support and collaboration of our partners, especially the teams at DOVO. Their expertise and commitment helped make the four days of measurements a success.

We also gratefully acknowledge the wider project teams and partner organisations supporting this research:

DECAT: TNO, DEMCON, INEGI, FLYSIGHT, MBDA, CNR-INO and CEPOLISPE.
TaMaCare and ARIES: Ghent University (both projects), Pozyx (TaMaCare), and imec vzw and FLIR Belgium (ARIES).
REMEDIS: Tech 4 Tracing, Universidad de Oviedo, Postup Foundation, HALO Trust, SOAS University of London, the Interregional Center for Humanitarian Demining and Rapid Response of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, and National University «Kyiv Aviation Institute».
SpectrEx: the Royal Military Academy’s Department of Chemistry (CHCH)

Thank you to everyone involved for your dedication, practical support and contribution to this next step in our detection research.

Funding acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Belgian Ministry of Defence through the Defence Research Action (DEFRA) programme (TaMaCare, contract No. 24DEFRA005; ARIES, contract No. 25DEFRA003), the Defence Funded Research (DFR) programme (SpectrEx, project No. DAP/25-13), the European Defence Agency (EDA) through the DECAT project (New Systems and Techniques for Detection of Camouflage Targets), and the European Union under grant agreement No. 101309363 (REMEDIS – Risk Education and Mines/Explosives Detection Improvement Strategies).