Airborne remote sensing surveys from fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters allows for the collection of spectral signatures over areas that are too large for ground-based measurement. It also makes possible surveying dangerous or otherwise inaccessible areas such as water bodies. Additionally, it provides a method of data collection that leaves an environment or specific location undisturbed during the project.

Within the earth and environmental sciences, the most common method of airborne measurement is visible and near infrared (NIR) hyperspectral and multispectral imagery. Airborne spot measurements using portable instrumentation are often used to complement these imaging techniques to develop spectral signature libraries, validate generated maps and other derived imagery.

These methods are used for studying a wide range of the earth’s geophysical characteristics including:

• mineral exploration mapping
• coastal ocean, estuary, river, and lake analysis
• modeling of atmospheric and cloud properties
• forest classification mapping
• agriculture
• urban development. 

ASD developed the FieldSpec® spectroradiometers with the field researcher in mind. They are well suited for airborne remote sensing measurements because of their ruggedness and light weight. FieldSpec® spectroradiometers can be configured for a variety of applications including collection of both up-welling radiance and down-welling irradiance. With the rapid scan time, you can quickly assess the quality of your data and make adjustments immediately, ensuring the best use of your flight time. ASD’s RS3™ software allows you to post-process collected spectra to reflectance for analysis, and assists in the interpretation of other sensor data.

For examples of  airborne measurement applications by researchers using ASD instruments select any of the links below.

Surface Bidirectional Reflectance Functions Derived from CERES Helicopter Data Over the Arm Southern Great Plains Site

CLAMS - Cheasapeake Lighthouse & Aircraft Measurements for Satellites July 10 - August 2/2001

Chesapeake Lighthouse and Aircraft Measurements for Satellites “CLAMS” July 10 – Aug 2, 2001

Chesapeake Lighthouse and Aircraft Measurements for Satellites “CLAMS” July 12 – Aug 1, 2001

In-flight Radiometric and Spatial Calibration of EO-1 Optical Sensors

Global Products of Vegetation Leaf Area and Fraction Absorbed PAR From Year One of MODIS Data

Southern Africa Validation of EOS (SAVE) Status Report Period of Report: 6 June 2000 -- 28 Sept. 2001

Spectroscopy and Modelling Group at the Department of Infrared Technology

Use of Scanning Infrared Surface Temperature Radiometer (SISTeR)

ASD FieldSpec® instruments in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters enable collection of spectra over areas that are too large or inaccessible for ground-based measurement. For more information about the FieldSpec® line, select any of the links below.