FURI | Fall 2025

Handheld Off-the-shelf Multispectral Spectrometer for Improving Water Quality Estimations from Satellite-based Earth Observation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of STELLA (Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment) spectrometers as a potential tool for calibrating Satellite-based EO (Earth Observation) data in a more affordable way. This is done by comparing reflectance values obtained from calibration plates and soil samples using two STELLA devices with those of a hyperspectral imager. The results highlight similarities in behavior between the STELLA devices, although inaccuracies are noted when compared to more accurate data. Despite this, the data collection from STELLA, when integrated with more accurate devices such as hyperspectral imagers, could offer a more efficient way of collecting in-situ EO measurements.