Developments in Hyperspectral Sensing

Hyperspectral remote sensing is a relatively new development in remote sensing technologies, effectively measuring both spatial and high spectral information from surface materials and constituents within a single system. Compared to multispectral remote sensing, hyperspectral imagery can provide more accurate and detailed spectral information of the Earth’s surface, measuring hundreds of bands from the visible to the near infrared. Hyperspectral data can be obtained using either space-based or airborne platforms, with expanding applications on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This chapter discusses hyperspectral technologies and their vast applications focusing primarily on airborne and spaceborne systems, reviewing past and future directions of sensor technology developments. Hyperspectral imaging is a rapidly growing field of space-based remote sensing and will continue to expand in utility for various civilian and public-good applications. Various nations are planning hyperspectral remote sensing missions, which will see increased acquisition of hyperspectral data of the Earth’s surface on a more frequent and timely basis in the near future.