HyMap hyperspectral remote sensing to detect hydrocarbons

The ability of airborne hyperspectral remote sensing methods to detect hydr ocarbons was investigated by the Federal Institute of Geosciences and Natur al Resources. Reference areas of defined geometry and chemical properties w ere prepared, e.g. sandy soil, oil-contaminated soil, grass, plastic tarpau lins. The aim of the study was to collect hyperspectral data from these are as and simultaneously determine their spectra with the infrared intelligent spectroradiometer GER Mark V IRIS. The data corrections and further proces sing were based on data provided by a field spectrometer. This study showed that airborne hyperspectral remote sensing can be used to detect hydrocarbons efficiently. Hydrocarbon-bearing substances are charac terized by typical absorption features in the spectra. The availability of the high signal-to-noise-ratio HyMap hyperspectral imaging system permits t hese features to be recognized in the pixel spectra even if they are not ve ry pronounced. Oil-contaminated soil and other materials containing hydroca rbons can be detected and located directly and unambiguously by image proce ssing focused on the spectral characteristics of hydrocarbons. By this proc edure, atmospheric correction of the HyMap data is not necessary.