Operational quantitative mapping of oil pollutions at sea by joint use of an hyperspectral imager and a fluorescence lidar system on-board a fixed-wing aircraft

Efficient observation means are required for supporting operational fight against oil pollutions at sea and recovery operations, including reliable choice and guidance of maritime and airborne fighting means. Among the suite of sensors available, the potential of airborne passive hyperspectral imagery and active fluorescence laser systems have been studied in the past. The potential of combining these two kinds of sensors for quantitative mapping of oil slicks at sea and for supporting the recovering operations is proposed for evaluation in that pilot project. Location, extents, volume of the oil spilled and its spatial distribution are the main useful parameters to be estimated. Ways towards the design of an operational system including both passive and active airborne optical sensors are presented.