Advancing Nighttime Hyperspectral Remote Sensing with DESIS Robert E. Ryan, Mary Pagnutti and Kara Burch, Innovative Imaging & Research

The increasing availability of nighttime hyperspectral satellite imagery is transforming environmental monitoring, urban studies, disaster response, and atmospheric research. This presentation highlights the nighttime imaging capabilities of the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) and its integration with complementary datasets, including the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Day Night Band (DNB).

Mounted on the International Space Station (ISS), DESIS provides high spectral resolution (~3 nm) in 235 bands from 400-1000 nm, enabling spectral discrimination of illumination types, detection of subtle emission variations, and improved atmospheric characterization. VIIRS DNB, with its 750 m GSD and single-band sensitivity, offers a broader view of global nighttime light patterns but lacks the spectral resolution necessary to distinguish specific light sources. By comparing DESIS-extracted night light spectra with near-coincident VIIRS DNB observations, we demonstrate how hyperspectral imaging can refine the interpretation of nighttime light emissions and enhance understanding of light pollution and energy efficiency. DESIS’ finer spatial and spectral resolution, allows for the detection of narrow-band atomic emission lines typical of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, as well as the broader spectral features associated with LED lighting. These capabilities enhance the mapping of nighttime light sources, which is beneficial for studies related to urban lighting, ecological impacts, and atmospheric correction. Additionally, we discuss other available satellite hyperspectral imagers and complementary imaging technologies.

About the Speaker

Dr. Robert E. Ryan is one of the founders and Chief Technical Officer of Innovative Imaging & Research Corp. (I2R). He has broad expertise in systems engineering, remote sensing, optics, spectroscopy, signal processing, solid state lighting and physics. Dr. Ryan earned a Ph.D. in physics from Stony Brook University and holds 11 US patents in the fields of optics and sensors. Before founding I2R, Dr. Ryan spent 10 years at the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center, where he supported NASA in high spatial resolution imaging system verification and validation. He came to Stennis with over 15 years of experience in aerospace R&D from the Northrop Grumman Corporate Research Center, where he worked on UV-LWIR missile warning systems and hyperspectral and ultraspectral imaging systems.