Fitchburg, Mass., Jan. 10, 2013”The TerraLuma Project (University of Tasmania, Australia) is partnering with Headwall Photonics to bring hyperspectral technology to its fleet of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Because the richness of imagery data collected via hyperspectral sensing far exceeds that of other methods, TerraLuma is putting Headwall’s Micro-Hyperspec sensor aboard its innovative, multi-rotor SkyJib airframe from Droidworx (Waikato, New Zealand).
Headwall’s Micro-Hyperspec is a high performance, compact sensor that meets the payload restrictions of these small airborne systems while providing the spatial and spectral resolution needed to ‘map’ the environment in better detail than ever. Size, weight, and power-draw (SWaP) are key considerations for any airborne application, which is why Micro-Hyperspec appealed to the TerraLuma team. “Environmental remote sensing and aerial surveying represent the kind of groundbreaking work we’re known for,” said Dr. Arko Lucieer, Team Leader for the TerraLuma Research Group. “Our move to hyperspectral fits with our goal to provide the research community with clear, actionable data that can be captured, managed and delivered faster than ever.”
David Bannon, CEO of Headwall, remarked on the work of Dr. Lucieer and the TerraLuma team is doing: “Remote sensing utilizing hyperspectral instruments aboard hand-launched platforms represents a high-growth area of research. We’re very proud to be working with Dr. Lucieer and play a key role as TerraLuma undertakes aerial mapping with our sensors.”
SkyJib is a purpose-built aerial platform, which the TerraLuma team has adapted to carry scientific instruments such as Micro-Hyperspec. Precision agriculture, mapping and monitoring vegetation in remote locations, represent some areas of research made possible through the use of hyperspectral sensing from a UAS.
About Headwall
Headwall, based in Fitchburg, Massachusetts (USA), is a leading designer and manufacturer of hyperspectral instruments for industrial, commercial, remote sensing, precision agriculture, and government markets. Other application areas include medical and biotechnology, forensics, chemicals, and color measurement, and in-line process inspection. Headwall enjoys a market leadership position through the design and manufacture of spectral instrumentation that is customized for application-specific performance, for end users and OEMs.
For information contact:
Mr. Chris Van Veen, Headwall Photonics, Inc.
Tel: +1 978-353-4051
Email: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.headwallphotonics.com
About TerraLuma
The TerraLuma research project at the University of Tasmania aims to develop novel tools and algorithms for environmental remote sensing applications and aerial surveys using unmanned aircraft systems. Up-to-date and accurate spatial data are of crucial importance for sustainable management of our ecosystems. UAS offer an exciting and novel opportunity to map the environment in greater detail than ever before. The TerraLuma Project is a university team comprising a senior academic, a postdoc, six PhD students, and two technical officers who collectively specialize in UAS sensor integration and image processing for earth observation applications.
For information contact:
Dr. Arko Lucieer, TerraLuma Team Leader
Tel: +61 3 6226 2140
Email: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.terraluma.net/
About Droidworks
Droidworx is a manufacturer of advanced multi-rotor airframes and related accessories. Based in New Zealand, the Company exports its products around the world. Droidworx UAV platforms service the growing market in multi-rotor systems for aerial photography, professional cinematography, remote sensing, and service sector applications. Aeronavics is the trademark brand for its innovative aerial solutions and global operations.
For information contact:
Tel: +64 (0)7 825 88 11
