MicaSense multispectral and thermal payloads
Professional imaging payloads for precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and analytical remote sensing
MicaSense payloads are purpose-built aerial imaging systems designed for professionals who require scientifically accurate spectral data, repeatable results, and seamless integration into analytical workflows. Within this category, the MicaSense RedEdge-P and MicaSense Altum-PT represent two complementary approaches to data collection: high-resolution multispectral analysis and combined multispectral-thermal sensing.
Both payloads are engineered for research-grade and commercial operations where data accuracy, radiometric consistency, and spectral fidelity are critical. Rather than focusing on visual imaging, MicaSense payloads are optimized for quantitative analysis, making them widely used in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, and land management.
A shared design philosophy focused on data integrity
Both RedEdge-P and Altum-PT are designed around calibrated, synchronized sensor systems rather than interchangeable camera modules. Each payload integrates multiple spectral sensors, global shutters, and onboard processing to ensure that every captured dataset is aligned, repeatable, and ready for analysis.
Shared design principles include:
- Factory-calibrated spectral sensors for consistent reflectance values
- Global shutter technology to eliminate motion distortion
- Synchronized capture across all spectral bands
- Lightweight, compact form factors for integration on a wide range of UAV platforms
This approach allows operators to focus on mission planning and data interpretation rather than sensor calibration and alignment.
MicaSense RedEdge-P: high-resolution multispectral performance
The MicaSense RedEdge-P is a dedicated multispectral payload designed to deliver high spatial resolution and fast data acquisition for large-area mapping and monitoring.
Key multispectral system characteristics include:
- Five discrete spectral bands: Blue, Green, Red, Red Edge, and Near-Infrared
- Panchromatic sensor enabling pan-sharpening for enhanced spatial detail
- Effective multispectral resolution of 2.4 megapixels per band
- Panchromatic resolution of 5.1 megapixels
- Ground sample distance of approximately 7.7 cm per multispectral band at 120 m altitude
The integrated panchromatic sensor allows RedEdge-P to produce higher-detail multispectral outputs than earlier-generation systems, improving feature definition while maintaining spectral accuracy.
Radiometric accuracy and calibration with RedEdge-P
RedEdge-P is designed for quantitative analysis rather than visual interpretation. Each sensor is radiometrically calibrated at the factory, supporting consistent reflectance measurements across flights and seasons.
Operational accuracy features include:
- Calibrated spectral response for vegetation indices such as NDVI, NDRE, and GNDVI
- Support for downwelling light sensors to compensate for changing illumination
- High capture rates of up to 3 frames per second, enabling efficient coverage of large areas
These characteristics make RedEdge-P well suited for crop health monitoring, research trials, and operational agriculture programs.
MicaSense Altum-PT: multispectral and thermal data in one payload
The MicaSense Altum-PT extends multispectral analysis by integrating a radiometric thermal sensor into the same payload. This enables simultaneous capture of spectral and thermal data during a single flight.
Key system components include:
- Five multispectral bands: Blue, Green, Red, Red Edge, Near-Infrared
- Radiometric thermal sensor with 320 × 256 resolution
- Thermal temperature measurement accuracy suitable for stress and water analysis
- Panchromatic sensor for enhanced spatial resolution
By capturing multispectral and thermal data together, Altum-PT enables richer analysis without requiring separate flights or payload swaps.
Thermal intelligence and agricultural insight with Altum-PT
The thermal sensor in Altum-PT enables applications that go beyond vegetation indices, providing insight into plant stress, evapotranspiration, and irrigation performance.
Thermal capabilities support:
- Detection of crop water stress
- Irrigation efficiency assessment
- Soil moisture variability analysis
- Identification of drainage and canopy temperature anomalies
When combined with multispectral data, thermal measurements add a valuable physiological dimension to agricultural analysis.
Spatial resolution and data alignment
Altum-PT is engineered to maintain tight alignment between thermal, multispectral, and panchromatic data.
Key spatial characteristics include:
- Multispectral ground sample distance of approximately 5.2 cm at 120 m altitude
- Thermal ground sample distance of approximately 40 cm at 120 m altitude
- Synchronized capture ensuring spatial alignment across all sensors
This alignment reduces post-processing complexity and improves confidence in multi-layer analysis.
Typical applications across industries
MicaSense payloads are used in a wide range of professional and research applications:
- Precision agriculture and crop health monitoring
- Field trials and agronomic research
- Forestry and vegetation analysis
- Environmental monitoring and land management
- Water stress and irrigation assessment
Workflow integration and data processing
Both RedEdge-P and Altum-PT integrate seamlessly with common photogrammetry and remote sensing software. Calibrated outputs support reflectance-based processing, vegetation index generation, and time-series analysis without extensive manual correction.
Deploy MicaSense payloads with confidence from DSLRPros
MicaSense RedEdge-P and Altum-PT provide professional operators with scientifically validated imaging tools designed for accurate, repeatable data collection. DSLRPros supports enterprise and research teams with payload selection guidance, integration support, and long-term technical expertise.
Shop MicaSense multispectral and thermal payloads at DSLRPros and equip your UAV program with tools built for analytical precision.
