Southern Mapping Company, an airborne survey company using light detection and ranging (lidar), has invested in hyperspectral imaging technology. Their current lidar equipment is able to produce a  three dimensional digital terrain model on which the images are superimposed. With the addition of the hyperspectral remote sensing technology, the company will now be able to identify individual species of plants and trees, noxious gasses and aerosols, minerals and soil types allowing them to broaden their services into the public and private agricultural, forestry, water, air quality and mining sectors… (more)