Crop Classification Based on Optimal Hyperspectral Narrow Bands Using Machine Learning and Hyperion Data

In view of global climate change and the limited availability of cropland, crop classification plays a critical role in maintaining food security. Hyperspectral remote sensing has emerged as a valuable tool for classifying crops using detailed spectral information. To explore the potential of hyperspectral data for nationwide crop classification, the research uses the GHISACONUS library to identify Optimal Hyperspectral Narrow Bands (OHNBs) across seven Agricultural Experimental Zones (AEZ) in the USA. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) techniques are employed to identify 24 OHNBs from the data. OHNBs achieved notable accuracy rates, ranging from 75% to 91% when classifying different crop types and their growth stages. However, accuracy drops below 90% in significant cases, likely due to the limited selection of 24 OHNBs and the variation in crop phenology across the seven study areas. The research indicates that systematically selecting OHNBs based on crop phenological stages consistently achieves satisfactory classification accuracy. This approach effectively classifies crops in any Hyperion image. Overall, the study contributes significantly to our knowledge of using OHNBs for nationwide crop classification, highlighting the importance of considering phenological stages and data acquisition conditions to enhance accuracy.