Virginia Coast Reserve 2007 Remote Sensing Experiment

Abstract : This report describes data collected during the first of a series of NRL remote sensing and calibration and validation (Cal/Val) campaigns undertaken to develop models of coastal environments for use in rapidly processing hyperspectral imagery (HSI) and generating shallow water bathymetric charts and trafficability maps. This report documents airborne HSI and sea and ground truth observations made at the Virginia Coast Reserve Long Term Ecological Research (VCR LTER) site during August 15-16, 2007 and September 4-21, 2007. Airborne imagery was obtained from three NRL sensors, two hyperspectral and one thermal. Coordinated water and land spectral and geotechnical Cal/Val data were taken across multiple sites along the VCR barrier island chain from Smith Island to Parramore Island, as well as at several coastal mainland sites along VCR shallow bays, and at sites further north near Chincoteague Island. Cal/Val data supported the development of a first-of-a kind trafficability map derived from HSI, as well as shallow water bathymetry products, all of which were presented at a sponsor demonstration day at the conclusion of the experiment.