The Compact High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (CHRIS): the future of hyperspectral satellite sensors. Imagery of Oostende coastal and inland waters

The gap between airborne imaging spectroscopy and traditional multi spectral satellite sensors is decreasing thanks to a new generation of satellite sensors of which CHRIS mounted on the small and low-cost PROBA satellite is the prototype. Although image acquisition and analysis are still in a test phase, the high spatial and spectral resolution and pointability have proved their potential. Because of the high resolution small features, which were before only visible on airborne images, become detectable. In particular coastal waters very close to the shore and inland waters become visible, opening up potential new application areas. This article gives a description of the CHRIS/PROBA system and compares it with a ocean color satellite sensors and airborne imaging spectrometers. A CHRIS image of the coastal waters of Oostende is used here to map suspended particulate matter. Analysis of imagery for an inland water body suggests that the near infrared (NIR) wavelengths are strongly affected by adjacency effects (environmental straylight).