EUFAR – European Facility for Airborne Research: Achievements for the "Hyperspectral Community"

The European Facility for Airborne Research, EUFAR, is an Integrating Activity of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Commission with funding covering the period 2014-2018. The current EUFAR follows three previous contracts under FP5, FP6 and FP7, and currently represents a 24-partner consortium of institutions and organisations involved in airborne research. Since its creation in 2000, EUFAR evolved into the central network for the airborne research community in Europe. In 2008, the prominence of hyperspectral remote sensing increased due to joining of the former HYRESSA (HYperspectral REmote Sensing in Europe specific Support Actions) consortium. Different hyperspectral cameras (e.g. APEX, AHS, HySpex, AISA) are available through EUFAR transnational access to European researchers, who do not have access to a corresponding research infrastructure in their home country. The large percentage of flight requests based on hyperspectral sensors reflects the high interest for the hyperspectral research community. But transnational access is not the only aspect of EUFAR. EUFAR also offers the platform to exchange knowledge and promote best practice in airborne research through Expert Working Groups, of which several relate to issues of hyperspectral remote sensing (e.g. hyperspectral data processing, hyperspectral applications for soil, calibration and validation). Two research projects in EUFAR cover the field of imaging spectroscopy. The present research activity “HYLIGHT” deals with the development of methodologies and tools for the integrated use of airborne hyperspectral imaging (HSI) data and airborne laser scanning (ALS) data in order to produce improved HSI and ALS products. The past research activity “HYQUAPRO” sought to develop, implement and test quality indicators and quality layers for airborne hyperspectral imagery, and to develop higher performing water and soil algorithms as demonstrators for end-to-end processing chains with harmonised quality measures. The harmonisation of processes and documentations dealing with airborne remote sensing is also part of EUFAR’s networking activity “standards and protocols” in order to support users and operators with recommendations on best practice. EUFAR also offers Education and Training opportunities for the next-generation researchers. Early-stage researchers have the chance to take part in EUFAR training courses including a flight campaign and to join already planned flight campaigns. Three training courses did already cover different scientific topics dealing with hyperspectral remote sensing: - ADvanced Digital Remote sensing in Ecology and earth Sciences Summer School (ADDRESSS), August 2010 - Regional Experiments For Land-Atmosphere EXchanges (REFLEX), July 2012 - Spectrometry of a Wetland And Modelling of Photosynthesis with Hyperspectral Airborne Reflectance and Fluorescence (SWAMP), July 2015 In July 2017 another course on remote sensing for forest Essential Biodiversity Variables will continue the series. This presentation will give an overview of all achievements for the hyperspectral research community in Europe’s biggest network of airborne Earth Observation