FieldSpec 4, LabSpec 4, TerraSpec 4 manual addendum
Version number: ADD0122-01
Overview
The FieldSpec 4 Hi Res NG spectroradiometer offers maximum sensitivity and is ideal for outdoor and remote sensing applications.
Higher resolution hyperspectral sensors yield greater precision for remote sensing classification applications, producing more information from every pixel generated in an image than ever before. The enhanced spectral resolution of the FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res NG has been designed to meet the rigorous demands of the next generation hyperspectral imaging systems such as AVRIS-NG and HySpex ODIN-1024.
In addition to superior spectral resolution, it incorporates graded index InGaAs photodiode SWIR detectors to provide the smallest available spectral sampling interval in a field portable device, with 1,875 measured wavelengths over the full 350 to 2500 nm spectral range. This ensures detection of even the most subtle spectral features.
Features
-
Best for: users requiring maximum sensitivity, outdoor and remote sensing applications
-
Superior signal-to-noise ratio: twice as sensitive; the best choice for working with limited natural light sources like sunlight
-
Permanent fiber optic cable: factory-installed to eliminate signal loss at junction points, ensuring optimal performance
-
Ideal for remote sensing: used for ground-truthing overflight sensors, matching satellite data, and ensuring accurate spectral measurements under varying environmental conditions
-
Recommended for sunlight use: essential for reliable data collection under natural light
Why post-dispersive technology matters
Pre-dispersive systems: Disperse light before reaching the sample, relying on an internal light source.
Post-dispersive systems: Disperse light after reflection, allowing external light sources like the sun to be used.
The post-dispersive system technology used in ASD instruments offers superior analysis capabilities:
- Measures reflected energy from external light sources
- Adapts to different lighting conditions without internal light dependence
- Provides reliable calibration for spectral radiometry
Key applications
-
- Remote sensing
-
- Spectral remote sensing: Collection of visible, near infrared, and short-wave infrared images for the detection, identification, and quantification of surface materials, biological, and chemical processes for research and analysis in numerous environmental and military applications.
- Remote sensing and geology: ASD’s spectroradiometers have been used for decades for remote geologic interpretation. Accurate field conditions replication is crucial for supporting overflight sensors.
- Atmospheric remote sensing research: observations of direct, diffuse, and total spectral solar irradiance, as well as sky and cloud radiance, are essential for atmospheric research in many climate and ecosystem energy balance studies.
- Airborne remote sensing measurements: the collection of spectra over areas that are too large or inaccessible for ground-based measurement.
- Ground Truthing
-
Laboratory-quality in situ field measurements with equivalent illumination and viewing geometry for accurate correlation to satellite and aircraft sensor data.
- Field spectroscopy
-
Field spectroscopy — the study of the interrelationships between the spectral characteristics of objects and their biophysical attributes in the field environment.
- Plant physiology
-
ASD systems are used to determine plant physiological status, including disease status, nutritional status related to nitrogen uptake and moisture balance.
- Camouflage characterization and detection
-
The detection of camouflaged or hidden objects requires a measurement that provides a contrast between the object and background materials.
- Calibrations
-
- Sensor calibration: an accurate radiance calibration of an imaging sensor is critical to many remote sensing applications.
- Spectroradiometry and radiometric calibration: spectroradiometry, the measurement of absolute optical radiation at each wavelength, is applicable to a variety of settings, including measuring the spectral energy output of a lamp, LED display, or other light source to determination of the flux of sunlight reaching a forest floor or other scene.
- Supervised classification
-
Supervised classification can be performed using either image-derived or field-measured spectral signatures.
- Landscape ecology and ecology research
-
The ability to accurately perform reflectance and radiometric measurements of vegetation and soil in the field is critical to understanding light utilization and partitioning within a plant community.
- Biomass analysis
-
From characterization of oil content of soybeans and other crops, to quantification of key parameter levels in biofuel processing and quality analysis of final product, near-infrared spectroscopy is the ideal measurement tool.
The mineral exploration process
- Aerial survey with sensors: Specialized sensors scan large areas for mineral deposits
- Ground-level confirmation with FieldSpec: Validates and refines aerial survey images
- Targeted drilling: Uses confirmed data to identify precise drilling locations
- Material analysis: XRF identifies metals, while NIR pinpoints specific mineral compositions
The ASD FieldSpec 4 full spectral range makes it ideal for field campaigns needed to ground-truth orbital measurements, which typically extend to the longer wavelengths.
Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj — CEO of Science in the Wild
