Fugro owns and operates a Hyspex VNIR-1600 Hyperspectral sensor which can be used for the accurate and detailed classification of materials using a broad spectrum of reflectance covering both the visible and near infra-red frequencies. Hyperspectral imagery provides information that is not possible to be collected efficiently by other means and is used in projects that require:
- Target detection
- Material identification and mapping, and
- Details of surface properties including moisture content and vegetation / crop health.
The Hyspex VNIR-1600 can be fitted to a wide range of aircraft and is able to operate independently or concurrently with other sensors such as Fugro’s ALB sensors. The spectral bands can be customized based upon the required application which includes:
- Habitat Mapping (terrestrial)
- Forestry mapping
- Agricultural mapping
- Urban planning/management
- Habitat Mapping (marine/aquatic)
- Habitat Mapping is a generic, catch-all term for describing the process of distinguishing differences in seafloor substrate type through spatial, spectral and statistical analysis of hyperspectral data.
- Sea grass vs. macroalgae mapping
- Spectral analysis can be used to differentiate between sea grass and macroalgae beds using spectral signatures that result from the presence of chlorophyll. Macroalgae is often considered an invasive species.
- Coral health mapping
- Spectral analysis can be used to differentiate between live and dead coral colonies using differences in the spectral signature that result from differences in pigment concentration.
- Water clarity mapping
- Water column mapping has been used as an indicator of overall health in regards to estuary management.