HyperTeach: Theoretical and Practical Training Course in Imaging Spectroscopy

Imaging Spectroscopy (IS) is becoming a major remote sensing technique especially with the advent of next-generation airborne sensors like APEX and ARES in 2008. This field of remote sensing provides relevant input to numerous applications, since an imaging spectrometer samples hundreds of narrow contiguous spectral bands throughout the visible to short wave infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because of the multidisciplinary character of Imaging Spectroscopy there is a need for training courses that covers upstream (e.g., sensor development) as well as downstream (e.g., corrections, analysis, interpretation) topics related to the complete chain from acquisition to interpretation of Imaging Spectroscopy data in order to prepare new users.

In the frame of the HyperTeach project, a joint initiative of the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), the Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models (MUMM), the Royal Museum for Central Africa (AfricaMuseum) and Catholic University of Leuven (K.U.Leuven) funded by the Belgian Science Policy, course material was developed to theoretically and practically introduce early-stage researchers to Imaging Spectroscopy and to prepare them for group shoots with imaging spectrometers. The HyperTeach syllabi (Theory and Hands-on) are conceived in a modular approach. The modules are developed around three thematic applications: biodiversity, water and geology. New modules and thematic applications can be added easily. Basic remote sensing knowledge is required in order to participate in the HyperTeach training courses. During the HyperTeach training courses, there is an equal focus on theory and practical hands-on exercises. After 2-3 days of theoretical introduction, the participants can decide which of the 3 thematic applications (water, biodiversity or geology) they prefer to follow during a 2-3-day parallel session with hands-on exercises (including demo of field spectroradiometers). ENVI software is used for the hands-on computer exercises.

After the 1st HyperTeach training course in Belgium from 26-30 September 2005, the 2nd (a joint organisation of VITO and BPPT) in Jakarta from 13-18 November 2006 and the 3rd (a joint organisation of VITO, AfricaMuseum, NIK and ITU) in Istanbul from 4-8 December 2006, recently the 4th HyperTeach training course HyperTeach@SADC was organised from 19-22 November 2007 at the premises of the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The HyperTeach@SADC Training Course was a joint initiative of UNESCO, IOC/UNESCO, VITO, CSIR, SunSpace and the University of Stellenbosch and was implemented in the framework of the FET-REMSENS project funded by the Flanders-UNESCO trust fund. The FET-REMSENS project is developed in the framework of the Global Ocean Observing System in Africa (GOOS-AFRICA) and the UNESCO Crosscutting Project on the Applications of Remote Sensing for Integrated Management of Ecosystems and Water Resources in Africa (ARSIMEWA) and the FET-WATER programme.

We acknowledge the Belgian Science Policy Office, EWI and UNESCO for funding the HyperTeach project and the HyperTeach training courses. We acknowledge ITT Visual Information Solutions for providing the temporary ENVI licenses.