Student Project Spotlight: “SPECTRUM” Real-Time Hyperspectral Imaging for Mangrove Monitoring
A new student research project at Ajman University is making environmental monitoring faster, cheaper, and more accessible. Titled “SPECTRUM,” the project introduces an AI-powered system that converts ordinary RGB drone images into hyperspectral-like data in real time, enabling instant analysis of vegetation health and ecosystem conditions. Developed by students Murtada Ali, Nasima Mohammed Helal, and Wessam Shehieb, the project is designed to support mangrove conservation and other critical environmental monitoring needs.
Current hyperspectral and multispectral imaging systems are slow, costly, and generate massive data files, taking 20–30 seconds per image and creating a gap between data capture and decision-making. In fast-changing ecosystems like mangroves which are vital for carbon storage, coastal protection, and biodiversity this delay can mean the difference between timely intervention and irreversible degradation. SPECTRUM addresses this gap by using advanced U-Net and CNN models trained on real hyperspectral datasets (HySpecNet-11k and GiQ) to reconstruct spectral information from standard RGB images. The system operates on drones equipped with embedded processors and 4G/5G connectivity, delivering real-time insights through a cross-platform dashboard. It removes the need for expensive HSI/MSI cameras, processing images within seconds and achieving high accuracy rates of over 90% in applications such as water quality monitoring and agricultural assessment.
The project, developed under the Ajman University Innovation Center, aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 and Blue Carbon initiatives. By enabling rapid, low-cost monitoring of mangroves, SPECTRUM helps environmental agencies, researchers, and policymakers detect ecosystem changes early and act quickly.
Supporting SDG 13: Climate Action
This project directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 by enhancing the speed and scalability of climate-related environmental monitoring. Mangroves are among the most effective carbon sinks on the planet, and their protection is critical for climate mitigation. SPECTRUM’s real-time insights allow for timely conservation actions, helping to preserve these vital ecosystems and maintain their carbon sequestration capacity. By making advanced monitoring affordable and accessible, the project also supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). It demonstrates how student innovation in AI and remote sensing can contribute to the UAE’s sustainability goals and global climate action.
Keywords: SPECTRUM, hyperspectral imaging, RGB-to-HSI, mangrove monitoring, SDG 13, Climate Action, real-time environmental monitoring, AI, drone, Ajman University, student innovation
To view the project, click here.