Airborne Hyperspectral Imaging

Mountain Gorilla Protection: A Geomatics Approach; "Gorillas in the data base"; Airborne Hyperspectral Imaging; In September 1999, newly developed technology belonging to Earth Search Sciences Inc. was tested in Rwanda, and high resolution maps will be created using "hyperspectral image data" collected during flights over the Virunga Conservation Area. This advanced airborne remote sensing provides very high resolution images, and will facilitate monitoring of the ecosystem and an assessment of degradation of the mountain forest following almost two years of insecurity and human settlement in the park. The sensor splits visible and infrared light spectrum into 128 bands rather than the four to seven bands analyzed by LandSAT or other aerial or satellite sensors.; The image above shows a small area, with the park show in green below and intensive human settlement and cultivation coming right up to the park boundary.; University of Idaho researcher Larry Lass conducted field research using GPS and will create a new and improved vegetation map based on the hyperspectral data.

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For more information contact Scott Madry or the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund