Status and application of advanced airborne hyperspectral imaging technology: A review

•Overview of the key technologies for airborne hyperspectral imagers.•Key technologies are introduced and data pre-processing procedures are described.•Comparison of the employed technologies in previous and undergoing research programs.•This compilation on hyperspectral imagers can be served as an important reference. Hyperspectral imaging technology has evolved for over thirty years and is widely used for geologic mapping, environmental monitoring, vegetation analysis, atmospheric characterization, biological and chemical detection, etc. With advances in technology, hyperspectral imagery not only determines the presence of materials and objects, but more importantly, also quantifies the variability and abundance of the identified materials or objects. Airborne hyperspectral imagers still perform a vital role in remote sensing fields due to advantages of spatial resolution, performance capabilities in a cloudy atmosphere, and onboard maintenance as compared to similar imagers aboard spaceborne platforms. To date, hundreds of airborne hyperspectral systems have been designed, built, and operated. Here, a review of key technologies for airborne hyperspectral imaging technology during past three decades is presented. First discussed will be high throughput imaging modes, high quality spectroscopic subsystems, and high sensitivity detector technology used on current airborne hyperspectral imagers. Particularly, the importance of data-processing such as calibration, geometric rectification, and atmospheric correction are discussed. Next, several new and novel applications are presented on the basis of state-of-the-art airborne hyperspectral technology. Finally, an outlook of challenges and future technology directions is presented along with general advice for designing and realizing novel high-performance airborne hyperspectral systems in this rapidly evolving field. By illustrating the status and prospects of typical airborne hyperspectral imagers, this overview provides a comparison of the technologies employed in previous hyperspectral imaging systems, current imaging technology research programs and prospects for innovative technology in future airborne hyperspectral imaging platforms.