Optical Engineering Associates Pty Ltd (OEA) is forging a new future as a leading R&D provider in remote sensing and related applications.

This CSIRO team is internationally recognised for its achievements in optical sensor development, astronomical optics, aerospace optics and remote sensing.

"Our expertise centres around the design and manufacture of optical systems, for civil and defence applications, such as airborne hyperspectral sensors," says OEA company director Dr Ian Wilson.

"Our world-class facility for the design and development of optical equipment will now be opening its doors to international clients and market forces on a commercial basis."

Among the group's achievements is the co-design of HyMap, one of the world's most advanced airborne hyperspectral sensors, developed with Integrated Spectronics Pty Ltd (IS).

IS was spun off from CSIRO in 1989 and is now one of the world's leading manufacturers of field portable and airborne remote sensing equipment.

HyMap creates thematic maps of the earth's surface by measuring the wavelengths of visible and infrared light reflected from the terrain.

This spectral data can be processed to yield mineral abundance, soil and vegetation species maps by identifying the spectral signatures of different materials. For example, healthy green vegetation can be mapped by measuring the distribution of chlorophyll pigment, which is found in leaves.

"HyMap and related products have captured 40 per cent of world sales for airborne hyperspectral sensors. These systems have proved to be sensitive, cost-effective tools for mineral and oil exploration, geological mapping, and environmental surveys," says Dr Wilson.

"The success of HyMap is due to its exceptional sensitivity, spectral resolution, image quality, and world-class optical and electronic engineering by CSIRO and IS."

Optical Engineering Associates aims to create similar sky-high success stories with IS and other clients.

"With over 160 man-years of experience in optical engineering we have a unique balance of skills that enables us to undertake feasibility studies and requirement analysis, component and system design, performance simulation, precision component manufacture, systems integration and testing," says Dr Wilson.

"We look first at the big picture to determine the client's needs and constraints, then resolve the fine detail of the system, conduct simulations, manufacture the components, and finally integrate the components to produce a sophisticated optical system."

"And the end result ... great images, good value!"

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