Airborne Multispectral Systems
Summary | Different Data Products | Applied Uses | Specifications | Data Ordering Details | Frequently Asked Questions | For More Information
Summary
Airborne multispectral (MS) camera systems are currently being deployed
by many private sector vendors. These sensors are complex systems incorporating
multiple cameras, different storage solutions, airborne inertial measurement
units (IMU), Differential Global Positioning Units (DGPS), and specialized
software for georeferencing, mosaicing, and color balancing. These multispectral
systems can collect stereo black and white, color infrared, and true-color
imagery using a single pass at the customer-required ground resolution.
Airborne multispectral camera systems are usually based on Charge
Coupled Device (CCD) arrays and fall into two categories: frame sensors,
which use square or rectangular CCD arrays and have geometric characteristics
similar to a film camera and line sensors or scanners, which use linear
CCD arrays and therefore have geometries similar to satellite sensors.
Different Data Products
Point to the names below to view the different data products.
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Applied Uses
Examples of how airborne multispectral data are being used:
Other Potential Uses:
- Habitat Studies
- Habitat Mapping
- Wetland/Riparian Studies
- Natural Resource Management
- Land Use/Land Cover Mapping and Analysis
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Mining and Exploration
- Environmental Assessments
- Transportation
- Emergency Response and Evacuation Planning
- Urban Planning and Studies
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Specifications
Spatial Resolution
In general, these technologies collect submeter panchromatic and submeter
multispectral imagery.
The following table lists specifications for a few of the existing airborne multispectral
systems:
Sensor |
Sensor Configuration |
Spectral Resolution |
CCD Array |
Radiometeric Resolution |
Z/I Imaging DMC |
4 lenses (pan), 4 lenses (multispectral) |
4 MS bands (B,G,R,Nir) |
MS 3K X 2K |
12 BIT |
1 band panchromatic |
PAN 7K X 4K |
LEICA ADS 40 |
Single lens with beam splitter |
4 MS bands (B,G,R,Nir 1, optional Nir 2) |
12K X 2– pushbroom sensor |
8 BIT |
1 band panchromatic (visible range) |
GeoVantage GeoScanner |
4-lens system |
4 MS bands (B,G,R,Nir) |
1.4K X 1K |
8 BIT |
Applanix Emerge DSS |
Single lens with beam splitter |
3 MS bands (B,G,R) or (G,R,Nir) |
4K X 4K |
12 BIT |
Temporal Resolution
Revisit rate is dependent upon flight scheduling.
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Data Ordering Details
Data Acquisition |
Many private companies, academic institutions, and government
agencies that produce and provide airborne multispectral data.
|
Timing |
Many time constraints are associated with airborne multispectral
imagery collection and delivery:
- Flight schedules can be delayed due to seasonal restrictions, weather, and environmental factors.
- Project areas may be large enough that multiple flights are needed.
- Post processing can be time consuming.
- Producing additional deliverables can delay the delivery schedule.
|
Cost |
Cost can vary depending on size of project, spatial accuracy, and project location.
Cost may also increase based on additional product requests (i.e., DEMs, DTMs, contours, etc.),
specific accuracy requirements, or licensing restrictions.
more info
|
Data Formats/Software Needed |
There are no standard file formats for airborne multispectral imagery.
Typically, vendors deliver imagery in the GeoTiff format.
more info
|
Projections |
Airborne multispectral data can be delivered in many different projections
and datums. |
Licensing |
Licensing restrictions vary for each vendor. Many providers do not have restrictions on
their data products, but some companies do require licensing. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Data Aquisition
Can I download or request airborne multispectral imagery on-line?
Several vendors have example imagery available at their Web sites.
Cost
How much does it cost?
Cost can vary depending on size of project, environmental constraints, spatial resolution, and spatial accuracy.
Data Formats/Software Needed
What types of software are required?
Airborne MS imagery is commonly formatted as a GeoTIFF. Any software capable
of processing 8-bit or 11-bit GeoTIFF data can view the imagery. Examples
include:
- Adobe® PhotoShop®
- Paint Shop Pro®
Higher-end image processing and analysis will require specialized software,
including:
- ESRI products (ArcView®, ArcInfo®, ArcGIS®, etc.)
- ERDAS IMAGINE and OrthoBASE®
- ER Mapper®
- RSI ENVI®
- PCI Geomatica®, and OrthoEngine® and IKONOS
support module
- SOCET SET®
Is freeware available for using these data?
A number of freeware viewers will allow you to view image data and perform simple tasks.
It is recommended that you contact the software companies for more details. The following
are some examples of freeware viewers:
What are some of the airborne multispectral imagery products available?
- stereo black and white at resolutions down to 1 foot
- color infrared at resolutions down to 1 foot
- true-color image at resolutions down to 1 foot
- some vendors are exploring automated extraction of DEM from the stereo
imagery
General Questions
How do clouds affect the data?
Airborne multispectral imagery can be collected during cloudy days by flying below the
clouds. This works well with consistent overcast conditions as the ambient
lighting on all frames is comparable. Cloud shadows can be problematic with
these systems.
What level of technical expertise is needed to use imagery?
A general understanding of the software is needed to view the imagery. Image
processing and analyses of airborne multispectral data may require
a trained technical person.
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For more Information
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