Coupling Short Wave Infrared

About

We propose to use Hyperspectral (HS) measurements taken from a Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) spectrometer mounted to an autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to map and measure vegetation and soil characteristics. Until recently, SWIR spectrometers (970-2500nm range) were too heavy to be mounted on UAVs, restricting their use to satellite and airborne applications. Field portable SWIR spectrometers produce accurate spot measurements, but they are unsuitable over large spatial scales and simultaneously measuring soil and vegetation characteristics. Satellite data involve large spatial coverage and relative short revisit time at the expense of lower resolution. Airborne sensors have a higher spatial resolution, but high operational costs, especially if frequent visits are required. One solution to these challenges is mounting a SWIR sensor on a low-altitude UAV, which provides relatively low cost, high repeatability and high-resolution imagery. This technology has recently become available as result of SWIR sensors becoming lighter and UAV’s increased payload capabilities. We will use a new generation of light-weight, wide-spectral range imagers to enable high spectral, temporal and spatial resolutions data at relatively low cost. This is combined with artificial intelligence classification techniques that provide fast and accurate quantification mapping in a wide range of applications, including measuring soils and vegetation contents of moisture, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, organic carbon, and hydrocarbons.