MS Thesis Defense: An Experimental Campaign to Collect Multiresolution Hyperspectral Data with Ground Truth

MS Thesis Defense
An Experimental Campaign to Collect Multiresolution Hyperspectral Data with Ground Truth

Joseph A. Carrock II
Imaging Science MS Candidate
Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, RIT

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Imagery of 48 felt targets was collected in three resolutions by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) MX-1 sUAS imaging system. To create the desired multi-resolution imagery, images of the target scene were collected at flight heights of 30m, 60m, and 120m. The resulting imagery possesses ratios of 2:1 and 4:1 spatial resolution relative to the lowest altitude flight. Use of this data in the evaluation process of HPS algorithms ensures that the radiometric accuracy of the result and the effectiveness of the sharpening method employed can be better ascertained through quantitative analysis of the inputs and output after being applied to this non-simulated multiresolution hyperspectral data set.

Abstract:
Advancements in hyperspectral imaging systems, data processing, and collection methods, have allowed for comprehensive spectral assessment of terrestrial objects to assist in a vast array of imaging problems previously deemed too complex. As the field evolves and more research is completed, the boundaries of what is capable are constantly pushed to new thresholds. At this junction, there exists an opportunity for the capabilities of these new creations to exceed our ability to prove their efficiency and efficacy. One area where this is true, is in the assessment of new hyperspectral panchromatic sharpening (HPS) algorithms. This is due to the lack of a true multi-resolution hyperspectral dataset focused on the same scene, which is needed to properly test these algorithms. To address this problem, a collection experiment seeking to create a multi-resolution hyperspectral data set was designed and completed on July 24th, 2020 in Henrietta, NY. Imagery of 48 felt targets was collected in three resolutions by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) MX-1 sUAS imaging system. To create the desired multi-resolution imagery, images of the target scene were collected at flight heights of 30m, 60m, and 120m. The resulting imagery possesses ratios of 2:1 and 4:1 spatial resolution relative to the lowest altitude flight. Use of this data in the evaluation process of HPS algorithms ensures that the radiometric accuracy of the result and the effectiveness of the sharpening method employed can be better ascertained through quantitative analysis of the inputs and output after being applied to this non-simulated multiresolution hyperspectral data set. During planning and after collection, care was taken to rigorously document the data set, its structure, and features, as the intention exists for the data to be used for various purposes long exceeding the extent of its immediate usefulness to researchers at RIT. This data will prove useful in the assessment of HPS algorithms currently under development, but also has the potential to assist as useful test data for various applications within the fields of hyperspectral imaging and remote sensing.

Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, and experts. Those with interest in the topic.