ATIC Research

Research

Research at ATIC will focus on the development of software and methodologies to facilitate the processing and analysis of multispectral/hyperspectral remote sensing data in support of ecosystem sustainability and management of natural resources. Our goal is to strengthen the Earth Observation market by developing customer-driven services and end-to-end monitoring systems.

Radiometric/Atmospheric Correction

This research is to investigate and improve the radiometric integrity and reliably retrieve the surface reflectance. This is fundamental for the subsequent information extraction. ATIC supports the development of such processing modules in a broad variety of projects.

Phenomenology and Algorithms

This research seeks to understand the physical phenomenology underlying signatures observed in remote sensing imagery and develops methods and algorithms to exploit the imagery for extraction of information. Our focus is on spectral imagery (both multi- & hyperspectral) and the use of physics-based models and mathematical techniques for several application areas. Our work mainly considers imagery covering the visible, near infrared and short wave infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as other imaging modalities such as LIDAR.

Measurements and Experiments

This research is to use imaging or non-imaging equipments to characterize the reflective properties of materials either in lab or field. It is essential for the understanding of the spectral behavior of materials, and validation of algorithm.

Automated Production Chains

This research is to streamline and automate the algorithms that are either existing or developed at ATIC to support the land cover/use mapping over large area. This research is application drive and user oriented.

Calibration/Validation

Research and development in this area includes radiometric calibration of airborne and spaceborne image data and the validation of image data and associated information products.
Special interest areas are:

Scene-based calibration,
Field-based instrument calibration (ATIC is currently establishing a calibration and spectrometer laboratory in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge),
Field-based techniques for product validation.

Data Preprocessing

Research in this area is fundamental for the subsequent information extraction. The objective is to investigate and improve the radiometric, spectral and spatial integrity and reliably retrieval of the surface reflectance.
For example, areas of interest are:

Removal of sensor artifacts (e.g., smile/frown),
Removal of atmospheric effects, and
Detection and correction of band misregistration (keystone).

Spectral Target Characterization

Information Extraction

This research is focused on the understanding of the physical phenomenology underlying signatures observed in remote sensing imagery and development of methods and algorithms to exploit the imagery for extraction of information. The focus is on the use of physically based models and mathematical techniques for several application areas. Our work mainly considers imagery covering the visible, near-infrared and short-wave infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as other data such as acquired with LiDAR.
For example, areas of interest are:

Spectral mixing analysis/endmember selection,
Canopy radiative transfer modeling, and
Spectral/spatial integration.

Software/System Development