Imaging spectroscopy of changing Earthʹs surface: a major step toward the quantitative monitoring of land degradation and desertification

Imaging spectroscopy makes direct identification of surface materials possible in a spatial context based on diagnostic visible and near-infrared properties. Advanced methodologies permit the deconvolution of complex surface signatures. It opens a number of possibilities for characterizing and monitoring mineralogical and/or biogeochemical surface properties and changes, particularly in the field of land desertification, where understanding of processes involve the quantitative description of the interplay between soils and vegetation components. To cite this article: P.C. Pinet et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).