How to Acquire Hyperspectral Imaging Data in the Field: Techniques, Equipment, and Best Practices

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has become a vital tool for capturing detailed spectral information about materials and environments. While the technology is well-established in laboratory settings, acquiring high-quality data in the field presents a different set of challenges. Varying light conditions, equipment mobility, and environmental factors all impact data quality and usability.

This article outlines best practices for field-based hyperspectral imaging using Specim’s portable solutions, including the Specim FX camera mounted on a rotary scanner and the handheld Specim IQ, to help users collect accurate and reliable data in real-world environments.

Introduction to Field-Based Hyperspectral Imaging

Unlike laboratory settings where lighting and sample position can be tightly controlled, field environments introduce variables such as (sun)light intensity and homogeneity, wind, terrain, and ambient temperature. These factors can introduce noise and reduce data consistency if not adequately accounted for.

Despite these challenges, field-based HSI is critical across a range of sectors, such as:

In such applications, imaging systems must be portable, robust, and easily deployable. Specim’s handheld and modular solutions – especially the Specim IQ and FX series combined with rotary scanners – are designed to meet these demands, offering flexible acquisition even in remote or uncontrolled conditions.

Equipment Selection and Setup

All Specim hyperspectral cameras operate using line-scan (push-broom) imaging. Unlike traditional cameras that capture a full image in a single shot, line-scan cameras collect data one line at a time as either the camera or the target moves. This data yields a detailed 3D datacube that encompasses both spatial and spectral dimensions. While this method delivers high precision, it requires careful coordination of scanning speed with camera frame rate. Besides, illumination and focus need to be acknowledged. To support diverse field imaging needs, Specim offers both rotary scanner-based and handheld solutions.

Specim HSI Camera with Rotary Scanner

Researchers commonly use the Specim FX10 and FX17 for VNIR (400–1000 nm) and NIR (900–1700 nm) imaging, pairing them with the RS10 Rotary Scanner, which rotates the camera around the target to build a complete image. This setup is particularly effective for immobile objects– such as trees, crops, or archaeological surfaces. The RS10 supports camera weights of up to 10 kg, comfortably accommodating both the FX10 and FX17.

For heavier sensors, such as the Specim SWIR (1000–2500 nm) camera, the RS50 Rotary Scanner offers a more robust option with a 50 kg capacity. This option makes it also suitable for integrating the Specim FX50 (MWIR; 2700–5300 nm) and FX120 (LWIR; 7500–12500 nm) cameras for specific thermal imaging use cases. However, field use in these MWIR and LWIR spectral ranges requires extra care, as thermal imaging is more sensitive to environmental factors, primarily due to temperature fluctuations. Obtaining an accurate radiometric calibration requires a black body with these thermal devices.

Researchers typically run the field setups using Specim Lumo Scanner software, which is identical to the software used in lab environments. Power can be drawn from wall sockets when available or from field generators or battery packs when working in remote areas.

Specim IQ Handheld Hyperspectral Camera

For users requiring maximum portability, the Specim IQ offers an all-in-one field solution that covers the 400–1000 nm spectral range. The device integrates a camera, scanner, touchscreen, battery, and storage all in one.

Specim IQ

The IQ is tripod-mountable and easy to operate, even without a computer. Its detector uniformity allows it to compute reflectance directly from raw data, bypassing the radiance correction step required by other camera models when the white reference tile covers only part of the field of view (FOV). This computation simplifies data collection and accelerates workflows in the field without sacrificing measurement accuracy.

Best Practices for Data Acquisition in the Field

Capturing high-quality hyperspectral data outdoors involves more than just setting up the camera. Field variability requires careful attention to several key parameters:

1. Lighting Conditions

Aim to capture data under clear, cloud-free skies, as clouds can filter specific wavelengths and reduce signal quality. If artificial lighting is used (e.g., in greenhouses or shaded areas), ensure it provides broad, even spectral coverage without introducing unwanted reflections or shadows. The illumination should be as homogeneous as possible.

2. White Reference Placement

To convert raw data to reflectance, include a white reference tile in your scene under the same lighting as your target. If you experience inconsistent lighting, use multiple white references and choose the one that best represents the scene’s lighting during processing.

3. Focus and Exposure

Sharp imaging detail requires accurate focusing. Use elements with high contrast to adjust manually. Then, adjust integration time to balance signal strength and avoid saturation.

4. Equipment Protection and Stability

To protect your equipment from wind, dust, moisture, and vibrations, use stable tripods and weatherproof enclosures.

5. Radiometric calibration

Whether you want to work in radiance or reflectance, radiometric calibration is necessary, especially when the white reference tile does not cover the complete field of view (FOV) of the camera. The radiometric calibration is lens-dependent, so you must choose the correct file when processing the data.

From Data to Insights: Pre-Processing and Quality Checks

Researchers need to pre-process the collected data to make it usable and comparable across different times and acquisition conditions. With the Specim FX series, this means converting the raw data into radiance using calibration files and then into reflectance using the white reference tile. The Specim IQ provides reflectance data automatically, thanks to its built-in pre-processing engine.

Regardless of which system you use, always validate the data quality before analysis. For example, healthy vegetation should show a distinct rise in reflectance at the red edge. To facilitate future comparisons, it’s also helpful to record key details, such as focus settings, lighting, weather, and the location of the reference tile. These details are especially important if you plan to monitor the same area over time. One can also examine the atmospheric absorption bands to verify that the camera’s spectral calibration is accurate.

Real-World Applications Across Industries

Field-based hyperspectral imaging is seeing growing adoption across sectors where in-situ analysis is essential. As the technology becomes more portable and accessible, organizations are using it to generate actionable insights directly in the field. You can explore real-world examples here.

Ready for the Field?

Whether you need lab-grade precision in forest research or a simple handheld tool for rapid crop inspections, Specim’s field imaging solutions help you make spectral decisions where they count. With decades of experience in hyperspectral innovation, Specim empowers professionals to collect actionable data anywhere, under almost any condition.