Scope & Goals

Scope

This proposal is to request the UAE Space Agency to provide fund to establish the UAE Space Agency Hyperspectral Laboratory at Zayed University. Hyperspectral imaging, like other spectral imaging, collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum. The goal of hyperspectral imaging is to obtain the spectrum for each pixel in the image of a scene, with the purpose of finding objects, identifying materials, or detecting processes. Whereas the human eye sees color of visible light in mostly three bands (red, green, and blue), spectral imaging divides the spectrum into many more bands. This technique of dividing images into bands can be extended beyond the visible. In hyperspectral imaging, the recorded spectra have fine wavelength resolution and cover a wide range of wavelengths.

Hyperspectral sensors and processing systems are used in astronomy, agriculture, biomedical imaging, geosciences, physics, and surveillance. Hyperspectral sensors look at objects using a vast portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Certain objects leave unique 'fingerprints' in the electromagnetic spectrum. Known as spectral signatures, these 'fingerprints' enable identification of the materials that make up a scanned object. For example, a spectral signature for oil helps geologists find new oil fields.
 
The proposed lab will support fundamental, theoretical and computational research lines in key areas such as: space sciences, remote sensing, Mars mission, water management, water security, sustainable water production, environmental quality and assessment, climate change, ecosystems, marine pollution, natural resource management among others. Cross-disciplinary teams of highly qualified experienced and recognized faculty members from the different departments in ZU will lead the various activities in the center.  The lab is a focal point for research and teaching both in hyperstereoscopy and remote sensing skills.
 

Goals

The lab purpose is to enable its members to offer programs and pursue research opportunities in remote sensing and related disciplines that would be beyond the scope of individual academic departments or individual. The UAE Space Hyperspectral Laboratory will contribute to:

• Develop, manage and maintain the UAE Spectral Library,  

• Expand the earth and planter sensing program,  

• Support for UAE space community,  

• Develop seminar series, and  

• Continue to support faculty research by in-kind contribution to start-up funds when appropriate and possible.

The primary goal of the proposed lab is to contribute to the development of spectral library for hyperspectral remote sensing of mixed and pure targets. The main intention is to investigate the spectral response of various targets and their mixtures at finer resolution of wavelength and to standardize the spectral signatures.  Earth and planetary targets and their relative contributions in mixed pixels within visible, near-infrared and far infrared wavelength ranges will be considered. Another goal is to develop and refine rigorous and interactive laboratory experiences for UAE remote sensing communities that allow for the engagement in various fields of remote sensing research through carefully designed and assessed project-based experimental, computational and field-based studies. The lab will assist in the national endeavors to develop and enhance critical thinking skills, analytical and mathematical skills of the students.