The effect of spectral bandwidth and positioning on the spectral signature analysis of inland waters

Airborne and satellite remote sensing systems (PMI/FLI, Landsat-Thematic Mapper, and SPOT-HRV) were used to assess their potential for inland water quality detection and monitoring. Airborne imaging spectrometry was acquired. Simultaneous (sub)surface spectroradiometric and laboratory-based spectrophotometric measurements allowed the description of the underwater lightfield through determination of the inherent and apparent optical properties. Spectral signature simulation of various systems increased understanding of the performances and led to the development of the CAESAR Inland Water Mode spectral bandset. These results apply to the operational use of high resolution airborne systems (CASI) and are relevant for future satellite systems such as MERIS, MODIS, and HIRIS, especially in the area of data reduction through selection of spectral bands and the development of algorithms.