Standardised spectra (400-2500 nm) and associated metadata: An example from northern tropical Australia

Global spectral libraries of in situ radiance, irradiance, reflectance and transmittance data are of interest to the remote sensing community, but a lack of quality spectral data accompanied by appropriate metadata is the main reason why spectral libraries often remain “in-house”. We have acquired over 15000 field and laboratory-based spectra, which have associated metadata describing how and why the measurements were taken and documentation of any extraneous factors, such as environmental cloud cover, that may influence the spectra response. Photographic records accompany the spectral data and metadata. A database was designed to manage and link the varied data. A series of filters are used to classify the data and run quality assurance measures prior to data processing. Acquiring and managing spectral data in this way make these data potentially suitable for applications other than for which they were intended, such as performing remote sensing feasibility studies.