2009-08-07
Southern Mapping Company announces groundbreaking technology
Southern Mapping Company, an airborne survey company using light detection and ranging (Lidar) has invested in hyperspectral imaging equipment that is set to revolutionize the mapping industry in South Africa. Peter Moir, Southern Mapping Company chief executive says, “The current Lidar equipment at Southern Mapping is able to produce a three-dimensional digital terrain model on which the images are superimposed. With the addition of the hyperspectral remote sensing technology, we will now be able to identify individual species of plants and trees, noxious gasses and aerosols, minerals and soil types allowing us to broaden our services into the public and private agricultural, forestry, water and air quality and mining sectors.”Hyperspectral remote sensing, a result of the integration of optical remote sensing and traditional spectroscopic technologies, allows for the differentiation of unique spectral signatures of targets on the surface of the earth. Unlike the human eye, which just sees visible light (blue, green and red), hyperspectral imaging is able to detect wavelengths right into the infra-red portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This typically results in hundreds of images representing very narrow portions of the electromagnetic spectrum normally viewed as a data cube as shown in the figure below.
Each object on the surface of the earth (mineral, plant, soil or gas) is identifiable by its unique fingerprint which represents its spectral response or spectral signature across the electromagnetic spectrum. By processing the hyperspectral data cubes with advanced image processing software, it is possible to automatically identify the location of these spectral signatures.
By analysing the spectral response or signatures of individual pixels across a hyperspectral image, it is possible to rapidly map the location of specific minerals or plant species or even plant health across large survey areas. Mineral exploration and food security are thus focus areas for the technology. In fact according to Moir, the trend for the future is for the industry to find solutions for applications that would enhance the socio-economic development of the continent thus providing a strategic contribution towards growth and sustainability. “As poverty alleviation, water supplies, and floodplain mapping are intrinsic for the well-being of the people of Africa, our services and technology will be deployed to find solutions for all the relevant authorities. This technology could put Africa on the map as being the food basket of the world,” says Moir.
In attempting to fulfill this objective, Southern Mapping Company is currently acquiring hyperspectral imagery for the Department of Science and Technology through the Council for Industrial and Scientific Research (CSIR). The data from eight test sites (which cover local areas associated with air pollution, commercial forestry, agriculture, acid mine drainage and water pollution) including data collected during image acquisition, will be provided to South African researchers at no cost in order to encourage research on the technology.
Says Moir, “This technology is the first of its kind to be used in Africa”. I am privileged to have a team of experts who are able to operate the device and accurately interpret the data obtained from the hyperspectral images.”
Southern Mapping Company
SMC provides topographic surveys and mapping for a variety of industries and sectors. These include civil engineering and infrastructure development, mineral explorations and mine management, environmental planning and rehabilitation, and urban and agricultural planning. The company operates worldwide, but specializes throughout Africa. SMC is one of the first companies in Africa to combine Lidar and hyperspectral imaging technology. For more information about Southern Mapping Company please visit www.southernmapping.com.