CALMIT operates a Piper Saratoga aircraft for airborne remote sensing data collection. The platform currently supports an imaging spectrometer (AISA-Kestrel), an imaging fluorometer (AISA-IBIS), and a thermal imager (Jenoptik Infrared Camera).
The CALMIT airborne research program, with its particular combination of hyperspectral, thermal, and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging systems provides a unique ability to detect subtle aspects of plant health and function (e.g. early stress detection). While the primary focus is research, the CALMIT airplane and airborne instruments are also available as a service on a cost basis. The CALMIT airplane is also available as a test facility for airborne instrument trials.
The CALMIT airborne program was funded through grants awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies (CALMIT), in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Electrical Engineering and the University of Nebraska-Omaha Aviation Institute, collectively known as the Nebraska Airborne Remote Sensing Program (NARSP), worked to develop the aerial remote sensing research platform.
Airborne imagery collection services are available to interested researchers at the university service center approved rate of $1200/hour (see line 811 of the linked spreadsheet download available under "Approved Service Center Rates").
