NASA’s AVIRIS Technology Takes Flight in Australia: A New Era for Ecosystem Monitoring
A special webinar this Thursday marks a significant collaboration between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), CSIRO, Earth Observation Australia, and the NSW Space Research Network, bringing cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging technology to the forefront of Australian ecosystem science.
The webinar, titled ‘NASA JPL: Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) Mission to Oz: Hyperspectral Earth Observation for Ecosystem Science,’ will feature insights from Dr. Robert O. Green, Director of JPL’s Microdevices Laboratory and Senior Research Scientist, and Dr. Dana Chadwick, Earth System Scientist at JPL.
What is AVIRIS and Why Does it Matter?
AVIRIS, now referred to as AVIRIS-Classic, is a unique optical sensor that captures images across 224 contiguous spectral bands, ranging from 400 to 2,500 nanometers. This detailed spectral information allows scientists to identify and measure constituents of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, based on how they absorb and scatter light. It’s been fully operational since 1989 and remains an active tool for Earth remote sensing.
From High-Flying Jets to Ecosystem Understanding
The versatility of AVIRIS is demonstrated by its deployment on multiple airborne platforms, including NASA’s ER-2 jet, the Twin Otter, Scaled Composites’ Proteus, and the WB-57 jet. This adaptability allows for data collection across diverse environments and scales.
Dr. Chadwick’s expertise focuses on leveraging hyperspectral imaging and LiDAR to unravel the complexities of ecosystem interconnections and landscape evolution. This combination of technologies provides a holistic view of environmental processes.
The Future of Hyperspectral Imaging
Hyperspectral imaging is evolving rapidly, with advancements promising even greater capabilities for environmental monitoring. AVIRIS-Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) is one such development, demonstrating continued investment in this field. The technology is being used to investigate methane hotspots, as seen in the Four Corners region of the United States.
The ability to detect subtle changes in vegetation health, water quality, and geological formations opens up new possibilities for proactive environmental management. For example, hyperspectral data can be used to identify stressed vegetation before visible signs of damage appear, allowing for targeted interventions.
Applications Across Industries
Beyond ecosystem science, hyperspectral imaging has applications in:
- Agriculture: Precision farming, crop health monitoring, and yield prediction.
- Geology: Mineral mapping and resource exploration.
- Hydrology: Water quality assessment and monitoring of aquatic ecosystems.
Webinar Details
When: 10:00am AEDT, Thursday, 26 February
Duration: 1 hour
Register: Online
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hyperspectral imaging? Hyperspectral imaging captures images across a incredibly wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, providing detailed spectral information about the observed objects.
What is AVIRIS-Classic? AVIRIS-Classic is the original AVIRIS instrument, still in active use, and a premier tool for Earth remote sensing.
What platforms has AVIRIS been flown on? AVIRIS has been deployed on the ER-2 jet, Twin Otter, Scaled Composites’ Proteus, and WB-57 jet.
Where can I identify more information about AVIRIS? Visit the AVIRIS website at JPL.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field and explore the potential of hyperspectral imaging for Australian Earth observation.
