Welcome to HyLab, the Hyperspectral Imaging Laboratory, based at the University of Alaska Fairbank's Geophysical Institute. Through a grant from the National Science Foundation the UAF HyLab has been established to provide a much needed capability for hyperspectral imaging in the State of Alaska supporting science, applications, and education.

What is Hyperspectral Imaging?

Hyperspectral imaging, also known as imaging spectroscopy, is an advanced remote sensing technology that helps researchers to ‘measure’ rather than simply ‘observe’ from a distance. The technology uses sophisticated sensors that can scan and generate hundreds of images of any target material on the surface of the Earth. These images can be used together to reconstruct the unique pattern in which the material reflects energy, thereby accurately identifying the target. As an example, hyperspectral imaging makes it possible to detect and identify individual minerals in an exposed surface, differentiate between healthy and infected trees of the same specie, and map contaminant distribution in land, water, and air.