Spectral imagery measures the spectral character of materials within the visible range and beyond. Even when two objects may appear visually identical, they may be distinguished through examination of their spectral properties. Computer software can switch colors and even assign colors to bands that are not visible.
A subset of spectral imagery, hyperspectral data, is produced when "solar electromagnetic energy reflected from the earth's surface is dispersed into many contiguous narrow spectral bands by an airborne spectrometer" (Stefanou, 1997, p. 2).
Images from Stefanou
Our current research and projects include environmental mapping, target detections inclusive of military, commercial and private sectors, and Elkhorn Slough Reserve environmental change detections.
The Remote Sensing Center works with airborne and satellite systems including IKONOS/Quickbird multispectral imagery (MSI), and airborne hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems including AVIRIS, HYDICE, CASI, and HYMAP.
Classification and analysis, including atmospheric compensation is performed using standard industry research tools; notably ENVI and ERDAS Imagine.
The RSC is acquiring a polarimetic camera for expanding experimentation in the visible spectrum.
Related Thesis
A Signal
Processing Perspective of Hyperspectral Imagery Analysis
Techniques
Marcus Stavros Stefanou, Electrical
Engineering, June, 1997.
