Integrating Multispectral Imagery and Ground Level Hyperspectral Signature Data.

Present day state-of-the-art digital image processing hardware and software can provide the image analyst the opportunity to use multispectral imagery MSI and, in the future, hyper-spectral imagery HSI for evaluating and monitoring terrain and target features. However, the lack of training in the spectral signatures of terrain features can inhibit the analysts interpretation of the multispectral false color composite image, prevent him from selecting the proper bands to achieve highest discrimination between the background and the target, and be a hinderance when he orders or displays a false color composite image. Training our analysts in the spectral signatures of terrain features should result in better exploitation of the pretty pictures. This training is equally as important as learning the operation of the digital image processing equipment. Without it the analyst uses the MSIHSI image as a mpa or as a photograph. He seldom or rarely uses the multispectral information within the image as part of his image analysis. RH