RT3003 used for hyperspectral imaging

Hyper Mapping have recently used a RT3003 system from OxTS for hyperspectral airborne imaging in a project to preserve birds’ habitats in Hungary. The so-called LIFE projects are funded by the EU and aim to support environmental and nature conservation activities in Europe.

Hyper Mapping equipped an aircraft with an AISA Dual airborne hyperspectral system from Specim, Spectral Imaging Ltd. This system includes a hyperspectral sensor head, covering wavelengths of 400 - 2500 nm, in combination with the RT3003 Inertial and GPS system. A data acquisition unit supports synchronous acquisition from both the sensor head and the RT3003. The RT3003 was used to measure the aircrafts position and attitude with high precision.

An area was mapped by the hyperspectral system to create a detailed vegetation and canopy map. Specim’s post-processing software CaliGeo was used to produce geo-referenced images of the acquired data. These maps are then used to assess the effects of agriculture on birds’ habitat and to propose agricultural activities that are more favourable to the endangered birds.