COLLECTING data on radiometric and reflectance spectra of geological and other samples in the field – known as ground truth data – can be the only valid technique where unknown materials are involved and where the removal of samples to the laboratory would destroy their surface properties.
ASD FieldSpec 4 makes the most of time in the field
The ASD FieldSpec 4 range of portable spectroradiometers is now available in the UK and Ireland from Analytik.
Designed for fast and precise spectral data collection, the FieldSpec 4 line enables reserachers to cover more ground without sacrificing data quality, says the company. Improvements in the short-wave infra-red (SWIR) regions from 1000 to 2500nm makes it possible to cover twice the area in half the time, it is claimed, and the signal-to-noise ratio has doubled. Altogether this means more precise spectral data in the same measurement time, with the benefits of the new configuration being particularly useful for researchers looking at materials with features at longer wavelengths.
Three models are available: the FieldSpec 4 Standard-Res, Hi-Res, and Wide-Res. The Standard is a general purpose remote sensing spectroradiometer for hyperspectral image interpretation and validation, while the Hi-Res suits applications requiring definition of narrow spectral features at longer wavelengths, and the Wide-Res is useful when studying materials with broad spectral features, such as plant physiology.
“The main improvements to the FieldSpec 4 are the speed of spectrum capture and enhanced quality of the collected spectra,” said Dr Brian Curtiss, CTO for ASD. “Reflectance measurements may require waiting for the best solar conditions, which can limit the time available to make measurements. FieldSpec 4 allows researchers to move quickly from site to site while improving the quality of the spectra captured”.