EUFAR – European Facility for Airborne Research: Easy and Open Access to the Airborne Research Facilities and Expert Knowledge

Abstract

The European Facility for Airborne Research, EUFAR, is an Integrating Activity of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Commission with funding covering the period 2014-2018. The current EUFAR follows three previous contracts under FP5, FP6 and FP7, and currently represents a consortium of 24 European institutions and organisations involved in airborne research. 18 small and medium size aircraft equipped with a multitude of different sensor systems are available to the European scientific community through transnational access. The following hyperspectral cameras are available through EUFAR to researchers, who do not have access to a corresponding research infrastructure in their home country: - AHS - aisaFenix - aisaOwl - APEX - CASI - HySpex VNIR - HySpex SWIR - TASI Transnational access is not the only aspect of EUFAR, which is of high interest for the hyperspectral research community. EUFAR also offers Education and Training opportunities for the next-generation researchers. Early-stage researchers have the chance to take part in EUFAR training courses including a flight campaign and to join already planned flight campaigns. EUFAR also offers the platform to exchange knowledge and promote best practice in airborne research through Expert Working Groups, of which several relate to issues of hyperspectral remote sensing (e.g. hyperspectral data processing, hyperspectral applications for soil, calibration and validation). One research activity within EUFAR deals with the development of methodologies and tools for the integrated use of airborne hyperspectral imaging (HSI) data and airborne laser scanning (ALS) data in order to produce improved HSI and ALS products. This poster will give an overview of all activities taking place within the EUFAR project showing the possibilities for researchers to get involved in Europe’s biggest network of airborne Earth Observation.