NIR spectroscopy is well-suited for fast and non-destructive species identification in situ. In many cases, field scans can provide the detailed information not available from hyperspectral satellite or flyover images.

By mapping an area using a full range spectroradiometer, like the PSR+™, a researcher can measure and discriminate between species. Measuring reflectance, water absorption features at 970, 1200, 1450, and 1950 nanometers can show different leaf/plant water content and help identify the species. Using transmittance, separation of species can be indicated at 1400 nanometers.

The PSR Series of spectroradiometers provides a full range (350-2500nm) NIR instrument with the very high resolution and exceptional signal-to-noise capabilities. Designed for fieldwork, the PSR Series of agricultural spectroradiometers is lightweight, reliable, stable, and rugged. It is easily used by one person and can be configured with a rugged tablet that collects scans and tags them with GPS data, digital images, and voice notes. Our DARWin™ SP Data Acquisition software (running on our rugged tablet and the spectroradiometer) saves all the data as ASCII files.

When used with the optional EZ-ID™ and Custom Library Builder software, researchers can build their own library of known species quickly and easily and then match new scans to the known samples for identification. EZ-ID runs on a tablet or laptop for field use.