Leica Airborne Imaging Capabilities Enhanced with Hyperspec Sensors

Leica Geosystems and Headwall Photonics announces the establishment of a partnership agreement whereby Leica will resell and integrate Headwall’s line of hyperspectral imaging sensors into their airborne product portfolio. Leica have selected Headwall’s hyperspectral imaging sensors to meet the growing demand for advanced hyperspectral sensors that acquire imagery data, which includes both spatial and spectral (chemical) information within the mapping area of interest.

Hyperspectral imagery allows users to obtain critical information relative to the material composition of objects in the field of view of the sensor. The sensors generate a very high resolution hyperspectral datacube that allows users to map features based on the chemical composition of objects in the scene. For example, forests can be mapped by plant species, quarries can be mapped by mineral composition, and farmland can be mapped by plant vitality.

The relationship between the two companies is based on a common vision of incorporating end-user requirements for hyperspectral data into Leica Geosystems’ current portfolio of mapping solutions and data products. Headwall has established a technology leadership position with the Hyperspec family of imaging sensors that are customised for particular spectral ranges including VNIR, NIR, and SWIR. Each spectral range is optimised for a unique set of end-user applications within the remote sensing market.

“Headwall is very pleased to be working with Leica, a leader in airborne imagery and mapping solutions. The company has established a broad portfolio of integrated solutions that is highly valued by users in the remote sensing market,” said David Bannon, CEO of Headwall. Leica Geosystems’ vision is to offer customers a highly integrated geospatial workflow solution that encompasses spatial mapping instruments, integrated software and data products, as well as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions. Ruedi Wagner, Vice President of the Geospatial Solutions Division at Leica Geosystems, adds: “Headwall offers a complete line of hyperspectral sensor solutions that is well aligned with our customers’ application environments and the need for high quality spectral imaging data. With innovative products such as the Nano-Hyperspec, the Hyperspec sensors offer superior performance for harsh airborne environments.”