Chapter 1
Visible and Infrared Overview
Stuart R. Phinn, Eric M. Hochberg and Chris M. Roelfsema
Abstract This chapter introduces visible and infrared remote sensing, specifically
photographic, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging systems (Chaps. 2–4), and
the situations in which they do and don’t work for mapping and monitoring coral
reefs. Spectral dimensions of imaging sensors are explained, along with their
fundamental control on the amount and type of information able to be mapped on
coral reefs from airborne and satellite sensors. A specific set of coral reef biophysical environmental variables capable of being mapped by visible and infrared
imaging systems is also defined. Examples are provided of image processing
approaches that deliver science and management relevant data for monitoring
coral reefs.
1.1 Introduction
This chapter provides an introduction to photographic, multispectral and hyperspectral image data and how they can be used to map and monitor coral reefs and
their surrounding environment. The intent is to provide both a conceptual overview
S. R. Phinn (&) Á C. M. Roelfsema
Centre for Spatial Environmental Research, School of Geography, Planning and
Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
e-mail: s.phinn@uq.edu.au
C. M. Roelfsema
e-mail: c.roelfsema@uq.edu.au
E. M. Hochberg
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, 17 Biological Station, St. George’s GE01, Bermuda
e-mail: eric.hochberg@bios.edu
J. A. Goodman et al. (eds.), Coral Reef Remote Sensing,
DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-9292-2_1,
Ó Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013
3
Visible and Infrared Overview
Stuart R. Phinn, Eric M. Hochberg and Chris M. Roelfsema
Abstract This chapter introduces visible and infrared remote sensing, specifically
photographic, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging systems (Chaps. 2–4), and
the situations in which they do and don’t work for mapping and monitoring coral
reefs. Spectral dimensions of imaging sensors are explained, along with their
fundamental control on the amount and type of information able to be mapped on
coral reefs from airborne and satellite sensors. A specific set of coral reef biophysical environmental variables capable of being mapped by visible and infrared
imaging systems is also defined. Examples are provided of image processing
approaches that deliver science and management relevant data for monitoring
coral reefs.
1.1 Introduction
This chapter provides an introduction to photographic, multispectral and hyperspectral image data and how they can be used to map and monitor coral reefs and
their surrounding environment. The intent is to provide both a conceptual overview
S. R. Phinn (&) Á C. M. Roelfsema
Centre for Spatial Environmental Research, School of Geography, Planning and
Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
e-mail: s.phinn@uq.edu.au
C. M. Roelfsema
e-mail: c.roelfsema@uq.edu.au
E. M. Hochberg
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, 17 Biological Station, St. George’s GE01, Bermuda
e-mail: eric.hochberg@bios.edu
J. A. Goodman et al. (eds.), Coral Reef Remote Sensing,
DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-9292-2_1,
Ó Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013
3