Hyperspectral proximal sensing of a marshy area: data acquisition methods and image processing

The purpose of the research presented in this paper, conducted at the Centre of GeoTechnologies of Siena University (Italy), is to test the potential use of a proximal airborne hyperspectral imaging system in performing the analysis and monitoring of both natural and anthropogenic contexts. The analysed marshy area is located near to the city of Viareggio (Lucca, Italy) in a coastal plain delimited North-eastward by the Apuan Alps and the Pisan Mountains. Alluvial cones, built up in a multi-step process throughout Pleistocene and Holocene, connect plain and mountain areas. The swamplands, characterized by a thick layer of peat, includes both the Massaciuccoli Lake and the “Padule of Massaciuccoli” representing the palustrine residues of a large marsh which was reclaimed and used for intensive cultivation.