Current progress of hyperspectral remote sensing in China

Abstract

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing (HRS), also known as hyperspectral imaging, has been considered one of the greatest breakthroughs in the remote sensing science and technology, attributed to its unique advantages in very high spectral resolutions as well as allowing for the synchronous acquisition of both images and spectra of objects. China, as one of the pioneers in HRS technology development, has made great achievements in both hypersepctral image processing and subsequent applications to real world problems under the supports of national and ministerial and provincial-level governments. These advances have bridged the gap between the most advanced theoretical contributions and their actual use in a number of applications including agriculture, mineral and energy resource exploration, environment, preservation of cultural relics, producing really rare and invaluable societal and economical impacts. This paper reviews current progresses in HRS in China, presenting main innovative achievements.