Hyperspectral remote sensing for light pollution monitoring

Abstract

industries. In this paper we introduce the results from a remote sensing campaign performed in September 2001
at night time. For the first time nocturnal light pollution was measured at high spatial and spectral resolution using
two airborne hyperspectral sensors, namely the Multispectral Infrared and Visible Imaging Spectrometer
(MIVIS) and the Visible InfraRed Scanner (VIRS-200). These imagers, generally employed for day-time Earth
remote sensing, were flown over the Tuscany coast (Italy) on board of a Casa 212/200 airplane from an altitude
of 1.5-2.0 km. We describe the experimental activities which preceded the remote sensing campaign, the optimization
of sensor configuration, and the images as far acquired. The obtained results point out the novelty of
the performed measurements and highlight the need to employ advanced remote sensing techniques as a spectroscopic
tool for light pollution monitoring.