Satellite data validation system using RC helicopter

This paper is introducing a radio control helicopter as a new platform of ground truth measurement. This helicopter is normally used for spraying an agricultural chemical. It can do pinpoint hovering and programing flight using DGPS etc., A spectrometer with dual port can measure ground surface and white reference plate at the same time. And it can also take digital images by digital camera. It is needed to collect ground reflectance information as satellite sensor footprint size for satellite data validation. Generally it is possible to get such ground reflectance by an airplane measurement. But it is high cost and not so easy to make a measurement by airplane. Developed validation system can provide such ground reflectance in low cost and easy.