A portable multiband radiometer for ground data collection in remote sensing

. The design and calibration of a rugged, low-cost, portable multiband radiometer is described. The instrument measures simultaneously in four bands, the spectral coverage of each being determined by interchangeable absorption filters. Simple band-pass type radiometers are seen to be complementary to conventional spectroradiometers for ground data collection in remote sensing. They have the inherent advantages of portability and speed of operation which make them particularly suitable for fieldwork in areas of complex terrain. An example of the practical use of the instrument to measure the spectral reflectance of partially vegetated surfaces in an area of complex terrain in southern Italy is presented. The increased spectral and spatial resolution of second generation sensing systems will make remote sensing of complex areas more feasible and extensive ground-based spectral measurements in such areas are a necessary step to understanding and utilizing such remotely sensed data.