Monitoring environmental remediation: Hyperspectral mapping of re-vegetated areas affected by smelting operations in Sudbury, Canada

Space borne imaging spectrometry provides spectral information which can be used to extract parameters of interest in monitoring regional environmental remediation initiatives. The environment surrounding the City of Greater Sudbury in Ontario Canada has been affected by deposition of sulphur-dioxide and metals from a century of smelting operations. Impacts have been noted up to 100 km downwind of the smelter sites, with areas of barren rock replacing natural forested cover. Regional remediation measures have been undertaken in the area since the late-1970s, involving a reduction of smelter emissions and a revegetation initiative. Space borne hyperspectral acquisitions from EO-1 Hyperion are evaluated for providing regional information on land cover change and relative vegetation health in support of remediation monitoring measures.