Visualization of Remote Hyperspectral Image Data Using Google Earth

One of the greatest obstacles posed in the field of airborne remote sensing is the lack of an expeditious, cross-platform method of viewing imaging data through a standardized web interface. After an ariel photography session, clients or agencies typically wait days or weeks to obtain their images. We have been developing a solution for this issue by creating a wireless network system that allows aircraft to transfer data in-flight to a grounded base station using modified, but commercially available, MIMO-based wireless networking hardware. The final goal of this project is to devise a combination of hardware and software systems to deliver images to clients in near-realtime. This paper addresses the web visualization and telemetry monitoring component of the system, the process behind its development, and its path to fruition. The system developed shows not only the feasibility of but also the realization of a software system for transferring and viewing aerial multi- and hyperspectral images during in-flight imaging sessions.