Not All Supernovae Are Created Equal: Rethinking the Universe’s Measuring Tools

6/3/2025

Rethinking the Reliability of Type 1a Supernovae How do astronomers measure the universe? It all starts with distance. From gauging the size of a galaxy to calculating how fast the universe is expanding, measuring cosmic distances is essential to understanding everything in the sky. For nearby stars, astronomers use... Read More >

Using LLMs To Research Remote Sensing Software: Helpful, but Incomplete

5/26/2025

Whether you’re new to remote sensing or a seasoned expert, there is no doubt that large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini can be incredibly useful in many aspects of research. From exploring the electromagnetic spectrum to creating object detection models using the latest deep learning... Read More >

From Image to Insight: How GEOINT Automation Is Changing the Speed of Decision-Making

4/28/2025

When every second counts, the ability to process geospatial data rapidly and accurately isn’t just helpful, it’s critical. Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) has always played a pivotal role in defense, security, and disaster response. But in high-tempo operations, traditional workflows are no longer fast enough. Analysts are... Read More >

Thermal Infrared Echoes: Illuminating the Last Gasp of a Dying Star

4/24/2025

This blog was written by Eli Dwek, Emeritus, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD and Research Fellow, Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge, MA. It is the fifth blog in a series showcasing our IDL® Fellows program which supports passionate retired IDL users who may need support to continue their work... Read More >

A New Era of Hyperspectral Imaging with ENVI® and Wyvern’s Open Data Program

2/25/2025

This blog was written in collaboration with Adam O’Connor from Wyvern. As hyperspectral imaging (HSI) continues to grow in importance, access to high-quality satellite data is key to unlocking new insights in environmental monitoring, agriculture, forestry, mining, security, energy infrastructure management, and more.... Read More >

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next Last

«

June 2025

»

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

9835 Rate this article:

4.8

Unleashing the Power of Hyperspectral Sensors With ENVI Software

NV5 Thursday, June 1, 2023

The advent of advanced hyperspectral sensors has transformed remote sensing, enabling unprecedented detail and precision in applications such as mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, and agriculture. Hyperspectral sensors stand apart from traditional multispectral sensors in their ability to capture hundreds of continuous spectral bands across the electromagnetic spectrum. This rich spectral information enables the identification of materials, gas monitoring, and vegetation health assessments like never before.

ENVI® is the industry standard for processing and analyzing hyperspectral data, capturing the subtle spectral signatures in hyperspectral data to identify rare earth minerals and monitor greenhouse gas emissions.

Numerous hyperspectral sensors are currently operational or scheduled for launch in the next few years. These sensors vary in spectral range, spatial resolution, and application focus. Some are dedicated to greenhouse gas monitoring, while others focus on ocean color or global imaging. They are deployed on platforms such as drones, aerial vehicles, satellites, and the International Space Station (ISS) such as the EMIT sensor from NASA JPL.

EMIT hyperspectral imagery from ISS of lago argentino

EMIT Hyperspectral imagery from the ISS of Lago Argentino, Glacier Perito Moreno.

EMIT Spectra

EMIT Spectra -- note high quality and high signal to noise ratio.

Calibration is crucial for comparing data from different sensors. Various protocols can result in different on-orbit measurements, and even within collaborating partners, there can be discrepancies. The importance of calibration cannot be overstated when comparing data sets, as it can significantly impact the accuracy and reliability of the results.

Rare Earth Mineral Identification With Hyperspectral Sensors and ENVI

The identification of rare earth minerals is essential for industries such as electronics, clean energy, and defense. Hyperspectral sensors provide an advantage in detecting these elusive elements, capturing subtle spectral signatures that distinguish them from other materials. ENVI’s sophisticated spectral analysis capabilities, such as Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Matched Filtering, allow us to pinpoint rare earth minerals with impressive accuracy.

NASA Desis Mountain Pass CA

Mountain Pass, CA. Image Courtesy NASA DESIS sensor on ISS.

EMIT JPL Methane Emissions Turkmenistan

EMIT Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA. Turkmenistan. Purple streaks in left corner are Methane Emissions.

Monitoring Greenhouse Gases Using Hyperspectral Data and ENVI

Greenhouse gas emissions are a major global concern, driving climate change and threatening ecosystems worldwide. Hyperspectral sensors can detect and monitor these gases with remarkable precision, capturing the unique spectral signatures of methane, carbon dioxide, and many others. ENVI processes this hyperspectral data and generates detailed maps that show the spatial distribution and concentration of these gases, empowering decision-makers to take targeted action in mitigating their impact.

Beyond Minerals and Gases: The Expansive Potential of Hyperspectral Data

The applications of hyperspectral data and ENVI extend far beyond rare earth mineral identification and greenhouse gas monitoring. This technology offers invaluable insights into vegetation health, water quality, soil composition, and even urban planning. As the remote sensing landscape continues to evolve, the power of hyperspectral data when analyzed by ENVI will play an increasingly critical role in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

ENVI is a powerful tool that extracts information from hyperspectral data, unlocking new opportunities for research and innovation. As the industry leader in hyperspectral processing and analyses, we are excited to witness and contribute to the growth of this transformative technology.