multispectral scanner

A multispectral scanner is an instrument used in remote sensing that measures electromagnetic radiation from Earth's surface across multiple spectral bands. These bands typically include visible light (green and red) and infrared wavelengths.1

The data collected by a multispectral scanner is often displayed as "false-colour" images by assigning different colors to the various spectral bands. This technique allows for the identification of specific types of rocks, soil, and vegetation based on their unique reflectance values in different spectral regions. These images are valuable in fields like geology for delineating landforms, rock outcrops, and structural features, as well as for understanding vegetation changes that can indicate soil types or subsurface water distribution. The term "multispectral" itself refers to the ability to capture data across two or more ranges of frequencies or wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum.12