Novel Algorithms for UAV- and Satellite-Based Hyperspectral, Multispectral, Infrared, and SAR Image Analysis
A special issue of Remote Sensing (ISSN 2072-4292). This special issue belongs to the section "Remote Sensing Image Processing".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2026 | Viewed by 100
Special Issue Editors
Interests: anomaly detection; convolutional neural network; hyperspectral data; remote sensing
Interests: remote image processing; hyperspectral target detection
Interests: geophysical image processing; image classification; hyperspectral imaging; remote sensing; feature extraction; image resolution; learning (artificial intelligence); geophysical techniques; object detection; feedforward neural nets; optical radar; convolutional neural nets; image fusion; image reconstruction; image representation; remote sensing by laser beam; Bayes methods; Markov processes; aerosols; agriculture; air pollution; artificial satellites; atmospheric optics; convex programming; convolution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: hyperspectral imaging; parallel computing; remote sensing; geoscience; GPU
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
With the rapid development of UAV and satellite remote sensing technologies, the integrated use of hyperspectral, multispectral, infrared (IR), visible, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery has greatly improved our ability to perceive and analyze the Earth’s surface. These diverse imaging modalities capture complementary spectral, spatial, and temporal information, enabling precise characterization of materials, terrain, and targets in mountainous, forested, and landing-zone environments—areas where complex illumination, occlusion, and environmental variability pose significant challenges.
However, effectively integrating and interpreting these heterogeneous data sources remains a key scientific problem due to sensor discrepancies, spectral redundancy, and nonlinear interactions. Recent advances in deep learning, physics-informed modeling, and multimodal data fusion have paved the way for more robust and interpretable solutions in classification, unmixing, fusion, segmentation, detection, and change analysis. These advancements support a wide range of remote sensing applications, including environmental monitoring, resource mapping, precision agriculture, and defense reconnaissance, offering enhanced situational awareness in complex natural and tactical environments.
This Special Issue aims to showcase innovative algorithms, models, and practical applications for UAV- and satellite-based hyperspectral, multispectral, infrared, and SAR image analysis. The focus lies in developing novel methods for classification, unmixing, fusion, segmentation, detection, and change detection across diverse environmental conditions. In accordance with the scope of Remote Sensing, this Special Issue emphasizes cross-sensor fusion, AI-driven spectral–spatial modeling, and physics-aware learning frameworks to advance accuracy, generalization, and interpretability. It seeks to promote next-generation remote sensing approaches that bridge theory and application, enabling comprehensive environmental perception and decision support.
Suggested Themes and Article Types for Submissions
- Classification: advanced spectral–spatial algorithms for terrain and object classification using hyperspectral, multispectral, infrared, and SAR data.
- Unmixing: innovative spectral unmixing and material decomposition techniques for complex and dynamic environments.
- Fusion: multimodal fusion of hyperspectral, multispectral, infrared, SAR, LiDAR, and visible imagery for joint feature representation.
- Segmentation: high-precision segmentation and scene parsing methods based on spectral–spatial and cross-modal learning.
- Detection: robust target, anomaly, and small-object detection under challenging natural or tactical conditions.
- Change Detection: multitemporal and multimodal change analysis for environmental monitoring, disaster assessment, and urban development.
- Remote Sensing Applications: UAV–satellite collaborative sensing, vegetation and crop monitoring, geological mapping, and defense surveillance.
Dr. Minghua Wang
Dr. Xiaobin Zhao
Prof. Dr. Lianru Gao
Prof. Dr. Antonio Plaza
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- hyperspectral multispectral infrared and SAR
- UAV remote sensing
- satellite imaging
- classification
- unmixing
- data fusion
- segmentation
- target detection
- change detection
- multimodal fusion
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
