DigitalGlobe has released a new series images taken by its WorldView-3 satellite with the Exelis‘ shortwave infrared imager, which works to capture images through atmospheric conditions such as smoke.
Exelis said Wednesday that the imaging system — which contains the SWIR, a telescope and sensors – captured the image of a forest fire at the Klamath National Forest in California through thick smoke.
“SWIR can remove some of the guesswork in determining where hot spots are to help firefighters plan their approach,” said Rob Mitrevski, vice president and general manager of geospatial systems at Exelis.
“SWIR can also benefit other areas and industries where the need for accurate imaging through haze, fog, dust, smoke and other airborne particulates is important.”
Other applications include environmental monitoring, crop mapping and site selection, Exelis said.
The WorldView-3 satellite launched last month and has achieved initial operational capability.