What Lies Beyond Sight? Applications of Ultraportable Hyperspectral Imaging (VIS-NIR) for Archaeological Fieldwork

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the use of a small ultraportable hyperspectral camera in the VIS-NIR (Visible-Near Infrared) range for archaeological fieldwork and its hardware, data processing workflows, and spectral information that can be used for in situ screening. Hyperspectral imaging is a widespread, non-destructive analytical technique used in various disciplines for highlighting invisible patterns and mapping the spectral signatures of selected targets. In archaeology, it has mostly been applied for remote sensing satellite imagery to uncover information about features that are hidden underground. Targeted applications of hyperspectral imaging have been developed in the last few years, opening new perspectives for material analysis based on spectral mapping. Recent advances in portable instrumentation have led to the development of small and rugged cameras that can be used directly in the field for investigating different materials.