INTRODUCTION TO Multispectral Imaging

How this new technology is revolutionizing data collection

- GUS CALDERON

Originally developed for military target identification and reconnaissance, multispectral imaging uses specific wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum to document environmental features of interest. Early NASA imaging of Earth from space incorporated multispectral imaging technology to map details related to oceans, landforms, and vegetation. More recently, modern weather satellites now produce diagnostic imagery using multispectral sensors.

Today, multispectral imaging is used by the U.S. military to detect landmines and underground missiles. By analyzing disturbed soil features with multispectral imaging, different physical and chemical properties can be detected. Likewise, multispectral imaging of the invisible radiation emitted during intercontinental ballistic missile launches can track their trajectories.

Multispectral imaging is also used to interpret ancient papyri and other ancient documents by imaging the documents in the infrared range. Typically, writing on these documents appears to the naked eye as black ink on dark paper. But when viewed with a multispectral imaging camera, the difference between ink and paper is more distinct due to the way ink and paper reflect infrared light.

Natural resource managers are starting to use drones with multispectral sensors to monitor sensitive lands and preserves, including vegetated areas, wetlands, and forests. These data provide unique identification characteristics that can be measured and studied over time.

Farmers are using multispectral sensors on drones to gather data and help manage crops, soil, fertilizing, and irrigation. This is part of a process called “precision agriculture.”

HOW IT WORKS