The Effects of Spatial Resolution, Spectral Resolution, and SNR on Geologic Mapping Using Hyperspectral Data, Northern Grapevine Mountains, Nevada

Abstract

A variety of multispectral and hyperspectral data have been collected for a site in the northern Grapevine Mountains, Nevada, spanning the period 1982 - 1999. Results described here are for both high and low altitude Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data, HyMap, and MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER) data. These data have been analyzed separately, however, no detailed comparison of the information extracted from each dataset or the reasons for differences has previously been performed. This paper discusses the effects of the spatial resolution, spectral resolution, and signal-to-noise ratios of these data on geologic mapping at this site. Key findings are extrapolated to predict the effect of instrument characteristics and performance on geologic mapping using future satellite systems such as EO-1 Hyperion and ARIES.