The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO (trademark)) Provides a New View of the Coastal Ocean

Abstract : The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO(Trademark)) was installed on the International Space Station on September 24, 2009. HICO(Trademark) is the first spaceborne hyperspectral imager optimized for environmental characterization of the coastal zone. With a high signal-to-noise ratio for ocean imaging, 90 m GSD and full spectral coverage from 400 to 900 nm and a 42 by 192 km scene size HICO(Trademark) provides a unique view of the coastal ocean from space. HICO(Trademark) data are collected and processed to produce maps of coastal bathymetry, bottom characteristics, and water column optical properties. To illustrate this versatility we present examples of HICO(Trademark) products for a diversity of coastal environments.