What does a hyperspectral sensor do?

A hyperspectral sensor is designed to capture a continuous spectrum of wavelengths, which allows it to gather detailed information about the material characteristics of objects on the Earth's surface. This technology differentiates it from traditional sensors that typically measure energy in just a few broad bands of wavelengths.

With hyperspectral imaging, each pixel in an image contains a full spectrum for the corresponding location, essentially creating a "signature" for different materials. This capability enables the identification of specific materials based on their unique spectral signatures, which can reflect different physical and chemical properties. For example, these sensors are widely used in agricultural monitoring, environmental studies, geology, and mineral exploration, where understanding the composition of materials is crucial.

In contrast to the other provided choices, which focus on unrelated functionalities—detecting sound waves, measuring temperature, or analyzing traffic patterns—hyperspectral sensors specifically target the analysis of light wavelengths to reveal material properties. This capability is critical in many scientific fields, emphasizing the relevant applications and technologies associated with hyperspectral sensing.