Division 2.5.2 Project Scope

To optimise the application of MSIR airborne remote sensing technology within an OSI, this project seeks to assemble a system that would comprise of a compact array of selected OSI-relevant sensors with a pre-defined post-processing chain using OSI specific software routines that would ease quantitative analysis of data and expedite the availability of outputs to the Inspection Team.

This one box/one software approach has the potential to greatly enhance the work of the Inspection Team.

The MSIR system can be considered to be modular, with the possibility of adding additional sensors to the array when funds permit.

Ideally, the system would comprise of:

1. (a)

   a multi/hyperspectral sensor detecting in the VNIR to identify features such as anthropogenic surfaces, vegetation patterns and stress;

2. (b)

   a multi/hyperspectral sensor detecting in the SWIR to identify moisture content patterns and changes in the distribution of different inorganic materials;

3. (c)

   an RGB digital camera (used in combination with the LIDAR) to generate an orthophoto of the inspection area to enable orientation of field teams and to provide contextual information;

4. (d)

   a LIDAR instrument to enable the generation of a topographic model for orthorectification of the imagery and used as a means of detecting features under canopy;

5. (e)

   a thermal digital camera to enable the detection of thermal patterns caused by vehicle movements and warm or cool water at or near the surface;

6. (f)

   a downward looking video, which will provide a fly-through of the inspection area for the information technologies (IT);

7. (g)

   a GPS and all ancillary equipment including monitors and certified instrument housing for the simultaneous operation of the sensors.

Items (a), (b) and part of (g) are offered as contribution in kind from Hungary, which would form the core of the MSIR system. Additional sensors and ancillary items should be added to the system based on the following hierarchy and according to the availability of funds: (c), (e), (d) and (f).

In the first phase of development the purchase of items (c), (e) and (d) would be desirable since these have the potential of offering the greatest insight to the Inspection Team.

In addition to hardware, the development of a software platform would provide an optimised, pre-defined post-processing chain using OSI specific routines to ease quantitative analysis of airborne remotely sensed data.