A compact, UAV compatible, high-definition hyperspectral imaging system

The innovation is a compact, UAV compatible, high-definition hyperspectral imaging system. The system concurrently-acquires a hyperspectral image using a compact grating imaging spectrometer and a much-higher spatial resolution color photographic image using a portable, measurement-grade, high-definition CCD camera (2,000 x 1,312 pixel). The spectral resolution of the hyperspectral image is better than 5nm covering a spectral range from 400nm to 1700nm (expandable to 2500nm) with a swath width better than 320 pixels. The quantization bit resolution of the system is better than 10-bits. The system is for NASA's stated need of spectral imager instrument for UAV with a weight less than 15 kg and a volume no large than 0.1 cubic meters. It achieves state-of-the-art system integration with built-in data acquisition, positioning/attitude measurement, on-board flight plan, map-matched system automation, and seamless real-time operation into a compact airborne computer. The software package developed has an excellent point- and-click graphic user interface that supports spectral and radiometric calibration, post data processing, and pointing-device-activated pixel spectrum visualization over its registered high-definition photographic image. With seamless data fusion of high-resolution photographic imaging and pushbroom-scan hyperspectral imaging at the measurement level, well-balanced spatial, spectral, and radiometric information is obtained with optimized and manageable data volume. ~000083 ~