Our mission is to make scientific discoveries, support conservation, and galvanize action to protect the environment at large geographic scales. Through our advanced Earth imaging technology, novel data analytics, and technical training of next generation scientists, we reach our mission goals all over the world.
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Our Airborne Technology
Current System
Airborne Taxonomic Mapping System (AToMS)
The most recent and technologically advanced instrument and computing package for GAO is called AToMS, or Airborne Taxonomic Mapping System.
AToMS has four integrated sensing technologies: (i) High Fidelity Visible-Shortwave Infrared (VSWIR) Imaging Spectrometer; (ii) Dual-laser, waveform Light Detection and Ranging (wLiDAR) Scanner, (iii) High-resolution Visible-to-Near Infrared (VNIR) Imaging Spectrometer, and (iv) High-resolution Digital Imaging Camera.
AToMS is now in its fourth generation configuration, with advances in all sensors. It can map features on the Earth’s surface in three dimensions, including all terrestrial ecosystems and the human-built environment. AToMS can also image coral reefs and other aquatic habitats with spectral detail.
Worldwide Media Coverage
From The New York Times, Newsweek, The Guardian and Huffington Post, through Scientific American, Nature, National Geographic and Mongabay, to Wired, USA Today, The Economist and much more, the Global Airborne Observatory has been featured in leading newspapers and media all over the world.