We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hardware

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Multispectral Imaging?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 13,567
Share

Multispectral imaging is a form of imaging that involves collecting data from two or more ranges of frequencies along the spectrum, such as visible light and infrared energy. There are a number of applications for multispectral imaging and the roots of the technology lie in satellite imaging. Many examples can be found on various websites, especially sites that provide data from orbiting satellites.

In something like a conventional photograph, people are only seeing data from the range of the spectrum that includes visible light. With a multispectral image, data from infrared, near infrared, radar, and other areas of the spectrum can be displayed as well. There are a number of different ways to present the data so that it will be meaningful to observers.

One option is a composite image that combines input from multiple spectra. This image will have a false color, with the data from spectra outside the visible range represented either with an artificial color like red or blue or in grayscale. Composite images can show areas of high energy and other things that may be of interest. Multispectral imaging can also result in a series of images showing the same thing at different wavelengths.

As an example of how multispectral imaging can be used, many archaeologists use this imaging technique routinely in their work. They start by recording data from the visual spectrum, showing an object as it is seen by the naked eye. Then they take images in areas of the spectrum like the infrared region to reveal things that are otherwise invisible. This technique can be especially useful for document inspection and restoration as hidden markings can become visible in infrared.

Forensics, geology, meteorology, and many other sciences take advance of multispectral imaging to collect important data about the natural world as well as man-made objects. Devices capable of this type of imaging vary in size and complexity, including specialized devices mounted on satellites and telescopes that may be custom designed for specific applications. Learning to interpret multispectral images takes training and time, as people need to learn what various representations mean.

It is important to be aware that many multispectral images are presented in false color. Composite satellite images, for example, may have vivid and striking appearances, but they do not reflect what would be seen by the naked eye. Colors may be exaggerated or highlighted in order to stress particular features of interest and a note on the image may be included to indicate whether it is in true or false color.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-multispectral-imaging.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.