Abstract for presentation at The 13th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Conference

Field spectroscopy is a non-destructive means to collect information on natural resources. There is a need for a unified repository of spectral signatures, and, just as importantly their metadata. Using the grid computing paradigm our aim is to connect hyperspectral experts to facilitate enhanced research. Grid computing aims to promote the development of technologies that provide seamless and scalable access to wide-area distributed resources. To this end we propose an information repository that exceeds that of an individual researcher / team. In order to facilitate the sharing of data, to collaborative research peers, a database for the storage & distribution of hyperspectral signatures and their metadata was designed. The database was built using open-source software, and can be used by the hyperspectral community to share their data. This is uploaded through a simple web-based interface. The database recognizes major file-formats by ASD, GER and Intergrated Spectronics. The database source code is available for download through the http://hyperspectral.info/ webdomain. A logical progression, to allow integrated access to this repository of information from analytical software packages, is a web feature services plug-in. This removes the necessity for the user to browse and download spectra, instead facilitating on-line access to the repository. We invite suggestions / additions & modifications for the database to be submitted through the online forums on the same website. Most importantly we would like you, the hyperspectral community, to contribute and use data and promote the use of this research community owned resource.