Watch as the salt marsh survey team prepare for a hyperspectral sampling mission at Murrel's Inlet, South Carolina, USA. Hyperspectral sampling is carried out using AISA technology which involves an aircraft mounted unit detecting the precise wavelengths of light reflected from the land and water. Black and White ground targets are laid out across the sample sites to allow aligning of the airborne data with geographical features.
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The hyperspectral ground crew team all do varying research to detect how these wavelengths change depending on the health of the vegetation and other features such as the presence of oyster beds. This data is used alongside geographical mapping systems (such as ArcGIS) to provide a means to rapidly survey environmental health from the air. During the Grand Bay, Mississippi hyperspectral flyover, the crew was involved in an outreach program for local students many of whom you will see in the video clip.
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A few of the lighter moments with the hyperspectral ground crew. After wading through knee deep mud at temperatures of over 100oF and 90% humidity...it pays to keep a sense of humor!
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Hyperspectral Ground Crew South Carolina......the lighter side!
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Part of the river they filmed Deliverance on! A hyperspectral flyover for the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources to assess estuary health and the progress of the invasive Phragmites sp marsh plant. Yes, if anyone knowledgeable is concerned, we do know that it is a cottonmouth (water moccasin) snake, the audio clip is left in to embarrass the person who said it.
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Belle Baruch Institute and its surrounding plantations were donated to the University of South Carolina and are now used for a variety of research projects into forestry, salt marsh and estuary ecology. This video gives a quick tour of the salt marshes including its ever present alligators and water fowl.
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Images of the French Quarter in New Orleans as well as shots of Louisiana antebellum homes and obviously loads of shrimp boats and miles of bayou! A big thanks to all those at Cocodrie Swamp, Houma who gave us such a warm Cajun welcome and more corn, shrimp and catfish than a human can possibly eat!
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