Identification and mapping of clay minerals in the region of Djebel Meni (Northwestern Algeria) using hyperspectral imaging,EO-1 Hyperion sensor

Applied in Djebel Meni (Northwestern of Algeria), this research highlights the results obtained from the supervised classification using the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) algorithm, through introducing the spectral signatures of illite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite, via Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) spectral library. These results were compared to the ones of the SAM classification, which use spectral signatures obtained by the Sequential Maximum Angle Convex Cone (SMACC) endmembers extraction algorithm. This implies the ability to detect and identify any object present on the Earth’s surface, whether its nature is mineral, vegetal, or human made, from hyperspectral imaging. By extracting the spectral signatures with the SMACC algorithm and matching them to the current signatures of JPL spectral library, comparing spectral signatures with another is not an easy task. Indeed, for a better comparison and a more appropriate interpretation in the use of the SAM classification, the results obtained were very relatively convincing because, regarding very strong similarities. It appears also that the signatures extracted with SMACC occupy the same areas as those of the JPL spectral library. This method of detection and identification of any present object on the Earth’s surface is rather conclusive.