Powerful cameras onboard MAXAR satellites are capable of detecting a much wider spectrum of light than our human eyes can see. The images they produce make it possible for analysts to see a hidden world in which answers to key intelligence questions become more readily apparent.
WorldView-3's SWIR imagery was created with geologic applications in mind. Materials having anion groups, such as Al-OH, Mg-OH, Fe-OH, Si-OH, carbonates, ammonium, and sulfates—many of which are essential indicator minerals in the mining industry—can be found using electronic absorptions in the SWIR wavelengths.
SWIR can also be used to identify forest fires, bush fires, or wildfire, uncontrolled fires and Identifying Man-Made Materials.