Unlocking the potential of generic spectral libraries for remote sensing applications
Proposers: Frederik Priem, Marianne Jilge, Uta Heiden, Ben Somers, Frank Canters
Broadband satellite imagery has become an established big data source over the past years, and a similar process is currently unfolding for spaceborne imaging spectroscopy. Hyperspectral images are increasingly used for environmental applications because they allow linking intricate optical behavior with specific biophysical states or land cover. Thematically detailed maps resulting from hyperspectral image analysis are useful for ecosystem assessment and may support a wide range of applications. A requirement for this mapping however is having access to collections of labelled spectra, which are often maintained in spectral libraries. These spectral libraries are needed to develop numerical models that transform image data into thematic information that may be of discrete or quantitative nature. Unfortunately, producing spectral libraries is difficult and time-consuming. Publicly available spectral libraries are difficult to use in tandem or for mapping of areas not covered by these libraries. Libraries also typically use unique labelling systems that caters to narrow application domains. Other barriers in the use of spectral libraries include technically challenging pre-processing steps on image and library data that may be needed to produce accurate mapping results. This includes cross-sensor calibration issues, feature selection/reduction, library optimization (pruning) etc.
This special session aims to promote the use of multi-site/-sensor spectral libraries in remote sensing applications and discuss ideas for advancing the shared use of reference spectra. The session will start with a presentation of the GENLIB project, carried out by the hosts of the session. GENLIB focuses on the potential of extending urban mapping approaches across space and time using multi-site/-sensor libraries. The concept of a Generic Urban Spectral Library (GUSL), as well as the main components of a GUSL management system will be discussed. A few case studies demonstrating the potential of GUSL-based mapping will be presented. We warmly invite all those interested in the use of spectral libraries, library-based mapping approaches and transfer/generalization of mapping models across space or time to join this special session and submit proposals for presentations on one of the following topics:
- Metadata models for spectral libraries
- (Distributed) spectral library management systems
- Library-based mapping models
- Library based unmixing in and outside urban areas
- Transfer and generalization of mapping models
- Any other topic pertinent to the advancement of spectral library-based mapping
The session will conclude with a round table discussion on the challenges and opportunities of generic spectral libraries and possible next steps for facilitating the shared use of spectra among researchers.