SPECCHIO:: a spectrum database for remote sensing applications

Representative and comprehensive information on the spectral properties of natural and artificial materials on the Earth's surface is highly relevant in aircraft or satellite remote sensing, such as geological mapping, vegetation analysis, or water quality estimation. For this reason, the spectrum database SPECCHIO (Spectral Input/Output) has been developed, offering ready access to spectral campaign data, modelled data, and existing spectral libraries. Web-based and command line interfaces allow for the input of spectral data of heterogeneous formats and descriptions, as well as interactive queries, previews, and downloads. ASCII and ENVI spectral library data formats are currently supported. SPECCHIO is used as a reference database for the retrieval of geophysical and biophysical parameters from remotely sensed data, accounting for the frequent lack of surface spectra. The database is also used for the general management of spectral data, including detailed ancillary data. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.