UAV Based Multispectral Image Processing Framework: A Band Combination Approach

With the advent of remote sensing in diverse application areas, many novel devices, algorithms, and numerous such solutions have been developed and proposed to solve real-world problems. In such a scenario, the development of multispectral and hyperspectral cameras has proved to be a boon for the remote sensing society. These cameras work based on the electromagnetic spectrum and allows us to visualize terrains in diverse perspectives. This paper has its prime focus in visualizing all possible band combinations of the collected multispectral imagery dataset. The dataset consists of images that has been acquired using unmanned aerial vehicles acronymized UAVs with mounted multispectral camera having four different bands viz., green, red, red-edge, and near infrared (NIR). The dataset consisting the multispectral imagery is then subjected to the proposed framework in order to visualize diverse band combinations. Initially, the imagery data is processed to generate the orthomosaic map of the entire study area i.e., selected prior to flying of the UAV. Further, the orthomosaic map is tested with different band combinations which can be used by the cartographers or analysts to perform diverse analysis such as identification of healthy vegetation, water absorption rate, edaphic properties, and many such. Also, few challenges that were faced during implementation are provided following which some possible solutions and future research directions are also entailed. The total number of band combinations obtained through the practical realization of the proposed framework included 24 images. Further, the thematic maps generated using individual bands along with MODIS NDVI maps are epitomized. The relevance of each combined image has diverse perspectives to visualize. Certain future directions in identifying the relevant band combinations are also entailed.