Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Hyperspectral Imagery

72 spectral bands in the visible and near-infrared range were captured at 3-meter pixel resolution by the AURORA hyperspectral imaging system. This dataset supports coral reef mapping and benthic habitat analysis, comparing methods using aerial photography and satellite imagery. The project was a cooperative effort led by NOAA and partners, with data processed around the year 2000.

Use Cases

• Classify benthic habitat types using 72 spectral bands for feature detection in shallow and deep water.
• Compare coral reef maps generated from hyperspectral imagery against those from IKONOS satellite or color aerial photography.
• Analyze coral health and community structure time series using the enhanced spectral resolution of the hyperspectral data.
• Delineate feature boundaries for habitat digitization using the georeferenced imagery with 3-meter pixel resolution.

Strengths

• 72 ten-nanometer spectral bands provide high spectral resolution.
• 3-meter pixel resolution offers detailed spatial data for coastal features.

Limitations

• Data is from the year 2000, making it stale for analyzing current reef conditions.
• Specific row/column counts, file size, and sample data are unknown.
• Geographic coverage is limited to the main eight Hawaiian Islands, specifically Maui.

Provenance

Source

NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, University of Hawaii, and Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC.

Collection Method

Data collected by the AURORA hyperspectral imaging system and processed to optimize band widths for feature detection.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Main Eight Hawaiian Islands, with specific focus on Maui.