Measuring the spectral signature of polar bears from a drone to improve their detection from space

The increasing spatial resolution of earth observation satellites is creating new opportunities to survey wildlife. Satellites could be particularly valuable for surveying polar bears (Ursus maritimus) because of their remote circumpolar distribution and status of concern in the face of Arctic warming. However, the white coloration of bears does not contrast well with sea ice or snow in panchromatic imagery. We took advantage of the close-range...