ASD Inc., the global leader in high-performance analytical instrumentation and materials analysis solutions, continues its tradition of setting industry standards for ground truthing and remote sensing measurement technologies with the release of the FieldSpec 4 line of portable, full-range spectroradiometers. The FieldSpec 4 line is designed for faster, more precise spectral data collection.

The powerful FieldSpec 4 line of full-range (350 – 2500 nm) spectroradiometers provides researchers concerned with speed, the ability to cover more ground faster, and enjoy the same high data quality. Ultimately, FieldSpec users can cover twice the area in a half of the time thanks to the improvements in the SWIR 1 and 2 regions.

For applications requiring the highest possible precision, the new spectrometer configuration provides double the signal-to-noise performance. This results in much more precise spectral data with no increase in measurement time.

Researchers who are looking at materials with features at the longer wavelengths will especially benefit from the improvements in performance in the SWIR 1 and 2 regions.

The line consists of three models, the FieldSpec 4 Standard-Res, a jack-of-all- trades remote sensing spectroradiometer suitable for a wide range of applications including hyperspectral image interpretation and validation. The FieldSpec 4 Hi-Res is well-suited to geologic and other applications that require definition of narrow spectral features, especially in the longer wavelengths. The FieldSpec 4 Wide-Res model is perfect for multispectral and other areas of research involving materials with broad spectral features such as plant physiology.

A new ruggedized fiber-optic cable option, 50-percent smaller and lighter instrument case, a soft-sided backpack travel cover that eases portability, and improved wireless capabilities round out new user enhancements.

“The main improvements to the FieldSpec 4 are the speed of spectrum capture as well as the enhanced quality of the collected spectra,” said Dr. Brian Curtiss, CTO for ASD. “Performing reflectance measurements in support of remote sensing studies requires waiting for the best solar conditions, which often limits the time available to make quality measurements. The FieldSpec 4 increases researchers’ ability to move from site to site more quickly, and make more measurements while also improving the quality of the spectra captured in the field.”

ASD FieldSpec 4 for Remote Sensing Ground Truthing Efforts

ASD pioneered the use of portable spectroscopic technology in remote sensing more than 20 years ago with the invention of the first robust, high-performance, portable instrument that could be used in earth science field work.

Now with the release of the FieldSpec 4, users benefit from a number of enhancements.
• Users can cover more ground faster and enjoy the same precise data quality with a 2x improvement in SWIR 1/SWIR 2 NEdL and improved signal-to-noise ratio
• Tough ruggedized cable withstands the rigors of field work and ensures fiber optics perform at their best
• Smaller, lighter instrument case and convenient backpack travel bag for easy travel to and from the site
• Expanded wireless range helps users capture spectra farther from the instrument controller