Critical metadata protocols in hyperspectral field campaigns for building robust hyperspectral datasets

Field spectroscopic metadata is a central component in the quality and reliability of hyperspectral data and the products derived from it. The impact of the quantity and format of metadata created at this fundamental stage of hyperspectral research is amplified as hyperspectral data exchange becomes prolific in the international remote sensing community. Cataloguing, mining, and interoperability of these datasets rely upon the robustness of metadata protocols for field spectroscopy. Currently no standardized methodology for collecting in situ spectroscopy data or metadata protocols exist. This paper presents initial results of an international expert panel survey investigating metadata protocols in field spectroscopy. Field measurement methods, data representativeness and their expression as metadata entities are examined across a range of campaigns. Consensus between expert groups and variance in agreement on criticality are also investigated. The survey is part of a doctoral research project to investigate approaches to a coordinated evolution of hyperspectral metadata protocols, field spectroscopic methods and data exchange standards within the hyperspectral remote sensing community.