The Potential Calibration and Validation Requirements for Imaging Spectroscopy for Iron Oxide Dust Monitoring

CSIRO has developed a method of measuring iron ore derived dust using airborne imaging spectroscopy data. The recent launch of spaceborne imaging spectroscopy sensors and the potential of near-future launches of operational satellites, provide the opportunity to produce such measurements on an operational basis. One of the critical challenges with the use of such measurements on an operational basis is the ability to provide quantitative data consistently, especially as they will be linked to regulatory requirements. Calibration and validation, which, determine the quality and integrity of the data provided by sensors and has enormous downstream impacts on the accuracy and reliability of products and hence, are critical issues to be investigated. This paper reports on a study investigating the impacts of sensor calibration and the importance of validating the downstream products.