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The emergence of hyperspectral optical satellite sensors for ocean observation provides potential for more detailed information from aquatic ecosystems. The German hyperspectral satellite mission EnMAP (enmap.org) currently in the production phase is supported by a project to explore the capability of using EnMAP data and other future hyperspectral data from space. One task is to identify phytoplankton taxonomic groups. To fulfill this objective, on the basis of laboratory-measured absorption coefficients of phytoplankton cultures (aph(λ)) and corresponding simulated remote sensing reflectance spectra (Rrs(λ)), we examined the performance of spectral fourth-derivative analysis and clustering techniques to differentiate six taxonomic groups. We compared different sources of input data, namely aph(λ), Rrs(λ), and the absorption of water compounds obtained from inversion of the Rrs(λ)) spectra using a quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA). Rrs(λ) was tested as it can be directly obtained from hyperspectral sensors. The last one was tested as expected influences of the spectral features of pure water absorption on Rrs(λ) could be avoided after subtracting it from the inverted total absorption. Results showed that derivative analysis of measured aph(λ) spectra performed best with only a few misclassified cultures. Based on Rrs(λ) spectra, the accuracy of this differentiation decreased but the performance was partly restored if wavelengths of strong water absorption were excluded and chlorophyll concentrations were higher than 1 mg∙m−3. When based on QAA-inverted absorption spectra, the differentiation was less precise due to loss of information at longer wavelengths. This analysis showed that, compared to inverted absorption spectra from restricted inversion models, hyperspectral Rrs(λ) is potentially suitable input data for the differentiation of phytoplankton taxonomic groups in prospective EnMAP applications, though still a challenge at low algal concentrations.

Imaging spectroscopy, also known as hyperspectral remote sensing, is based on the characterization of Earth surface materials and processes through spectrally-resolved measurements of the light interacting with matter. The potential of imaging spectroscopy for Earth remote sensing has been demonstrated since the 1980s. However, most of the developments and applications in imaging spectroscopy have largely relied on airborne spectrometers, as the amount and quality of space-based imaging spectroscopy data remain relatively low to date. The upcoming Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) German imaging spectroscopy mission is intended to fill this gap. An overview of the main characteristics and current status of the mission is provided in this contribution. The core payload of EnMAP consists of a dual-spectrometer instrument measuring in the optical spectral range between 420 and 2450 nm with a spectral sampling distance varying between 5 and 12 nm and a reference signal-to-noise ratio of 400:1 in the visible and near-infrared and 180:1 in the shortwave-infrared parts of the spectrum. EnMAP images will cover a 30 km-wide area in the across-track direction with a ground sampling distance of 30 m. An across-track tilted observation capability will enable a target revisit time of up to four days at the Equator and better at high latitudes. EnMAP will contribute to the development and exploitation of spaceborne imaging spectroscopy applications by making high-quality data freely available to scientific users worldwide.