HD-05: Spectral data systems for field spectrometry
John A. Gamon, Phil Townsend, Andy Hueni
Abstract:
The increased use of portable spectrometers has led to a need for better data systems (databases and related spectral tools) for managing the expanding volume of field optical measurements. This workshop will introduce emerging data systems for handing field optical measurements, with a focus on spectral measurements and optical time series (e.g. optical phenology measurements) related to ecological questions. Emerging spectral databases and related tools for processing, analyzing, archiving and visualizing optical data will be introduced, with a focus on SPECCHIO and EcoSIS. Examples will focus on the entire data life cycle, starting with a scientific question or hypothesis, and continuing with sampling design and protocols, data collection and processing, data upload and metadata augmentation for archiving, visualization, and information extraction (e.g. biophysical parameter estimation).
Biography:
John Gamon is a Professor in the Departments of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences and Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta (Canada). Trained as a plant ecophysiologist, he applies optical remote sensing methods to plant physiology and ecology. He co-founded SpecNet (Spectral Network) to foster the use of optical sampling methods for ecological questions.
Phil Townsend is a Professor in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His research explores the use of field optical and remotely sensed data for a wide variety of ecological questions. Currently, he is the lead Investigator on the EcoSIS project, a NASA-funded project to develop spectral data systems for ecological questions.
Andy Hueni is currently a postdoctoral researcher with the Remote Sensing Laboratories, University of Zurich, responsible for APEX sensor and data calibration. His research interests are the calibration of spectrometers and the design of combined database and software systems such as the spectral database SPECCHIO.