WorldView-3's spectral bands allow for unique mineral identification and chemical
measurements. Atoms have vibrations with different frequencies, and at specific
wavelengths light can stimulate the vibration. As a result, different minerals absorb
specific wavelengths and reflect others.
Electronic absorptions at wavelengths less than about 1,000 nm allow analysts to identify
materials containing iron. Molecular vibrational features at wavelengths between about
1,000–2,500 nm are diagnostic for materials containing anion groups such as Al-OH, Mg-OH,
Fe-OH, Si-OH, carbonates, ammonium and sulphates. Mineral spectral absorption features
are particularly observed in the SWIR region (Figures 8 and 9).
Exposed outcrops are manifestations of potential mineral ores or sub-surface deposits.
The geology and mining industries spend millions of dollars to identify potential mining
sites during their exploration phase; WorldView-3 imagery can help mining operations
reduce costs and increase efficiency by narrowing the potential area before field
verification is planned.
Mining/Geology
MOVING FROM PIXELS TO PRODUCTS
Shanxi Grand Theatre, China, SWIR
Spectral Library Plots
Reflectance
no
atmospheric
transmittance
Wavelength nm
500
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
1000 1500 2000
Reflectance
Wavelength (µm)
0.5
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
FIGURE 8.
Spectral signatures for 6 different mineral spectra.
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