1. A method for automatically discerning between object and non-object pixels in a hyperspectral image data cube, said method comprising: (a) providing a partial least squares discriminant analysis algorithm, comprising, (i) establishing a training matrix, (ii) performing an eigenvector decomposition of said training matrix, (iii) experimentally determining a weighted linear combination of object signal-containing eigenvectors, (iv) calculating a regression vector using said weighted linear combination of signal-containing eigenvectors, (v) generating a mask matrix, and (vi) multiplying said mask matrix by the hyperspectral image data cube along two spatial dimensions; and (b) using a processor to apply said partial least squares discriminant analysis algorithm to a hyperspectral image data cube to automatically determine which pixels contain the spectral properties of the object.