Identification of Cannabis plantations using hyperspectral technology

Drug use, mainly of Cannabis, has dramatically increased over the past two decades, calling for efficient drug monitoring and prevention tools. This study evaluates the use of ground-based hyperspectral detection for surveying and mapping Cannabis cultivations. The ability to identify Cannabis plants at high spectral resolution using a ground-based hyperspectral detector (imaging spectroscopy sensor) outdoors was measured using the AISA Eagle hyperspectral detector at 400-1000 nm wavelengths, at a distance of 75 m. Analysis of the measured data by image-processing and statistical variation revealed that the spectral characteristics of Cannabis are unique only within a wavelength range of 500-750 nm. It is important to notice that variation was tested only with two species, and background was unique. Error in classification (false alarm) was found between Cannabis canopy and citrus canopy: 15% of Citrus was classified as Cannabis.