Spectral Explorer

– a tool for the analysis of satellite sensor ranges

This tool allows users to interactively explore band sensors coverage of common terrestrially-focused satellites against common land surface reflectance signatures. This can be used to better interpret multi-spectral imagery and understand how sensors vary across satellite platforms and generations.

The spectral responses of key materials are true measurements compiled from the USGS Digital Spectral Library.

Add and inspect your own reflectance data here.

Interactive content below!

Toggle satellite bands:

A Note on Band Sensitivity

Please note that the above chart does not properly show how the sensitivity of each band sensor vary across their range. See below for an example of how Sentinel-2 (A and B) VNIR band sensors vary across their ranges.

Please also note, satellite sensors deteriorate, meaning these sensitivity curves also change over time. Calibration is an on-going process, and many organisations measure this 'sensor drift' and account for it in their higher-level (surface-reflectance) products.

Spectral Explorer

– a tool for the analysis of satellite sensor ranges

Add and inspect your own reflectance data here.

Interactive content below!

Toggle satellite bands:

Toggle spectral signatures:

Other Options:

A Note on Band Sensitivity

Please note that the above chart does not properly show how the sensitivity of each band sensor vary across their range. See below for an example of how Sentinel-2 (A and B) VNIR band sensors vary across their ranges.