Q&A: Headwall and GRYFN on Airborne Hyperspectral Workflows at SPIE DCS 2025
SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics. SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing (DCS) is a leading global forum where researchers, engineers, and practitioners explore advances in sensing technologies across defense, security, and commercial domains.
At the 2025 forum, held April 15–17 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Headwall and GRYFN announced a new partnership focused on simplifying hyperspectral data collection and processing for airborne and drone-based remote sensing applications.
During the event, we spoke with David Blair, Chief Product Officer at Headwall, about what prompted the collaboration and how it helps users move more efficiently from data capture to decision-ready insight.
Q: What prompted the Headwall–GRYFN partnership?
Blair: We’re seeing a clear shift in how hyperspectral imaging is being used. Across industries—environmental monitoring, agriculture, defense—teams are moving beyond pilot projects toward operational deployment. That shift exposes friction in the workflow, particularly around calibration, processing, and data integration.
By partnering with GRYFN, we’re addressing those challenges directly. The goal is to streamline how data moves from collection through processing, so users can spend less time managing complexity and more time working with usable results.
Q: What challenges are researchers and practitioners facing today?
Blair: One of the biggest challenges is balancing precision with usability. Hyperspectral remote sensing systems must deliver research-grade accuracy, but many users don’t have the time—or the desire—to manage highly specialized processing workflows.
Historically, achieving accurate calibration required ground control points and significant post-processing expertise. That creates barriers, especially for teams working in dynamic or remote environments. What we’re focused on now is reducing those hurdles while preserving data quality.
Q: How does this integrated approach improve real-world workflows?
Blair: GRYFN’s calibration technology removes the need for ground control points, which saves time and simplifies field operations. Their processing tools also automate job management and align hyperspectral, LiDAR, and GNSS data into a unified output.
When combined with Headwall’s hyperspectral cameras, this creates a more seamless pipeline—from mission planning through data delivery. Users get consistent, aligned datasets without stitching together multiple tools or workflows.
Q: Which applications are seeing the most impact from this approach?
Blair: Environmental monitoring, agriculture, and defense are leading the way. In environmental research, teams can map ecosystems or track change with greater consistency. In defense and security contexts, the ability to generate reliable data more quickly supports better-informed decision-making.
The common thread across all of these applications is the need for scalable, high-quality data that doesn’t come with unnecessary complexity. That’s what this partnership is designed to support.
Hyperspectral Imaging for Defense and Beyond
SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing continues to be a key venue for advancing sensing technologies across defense, security, and commercial applications. Headwall has participated in the event in recent years, and the collaboration with GRYFN reflects a continued focus on improving how hyperspectral imaging workflows support real-world missions.
Learn More
Headwall continues to expand access to hyperspectral imaging through integrated workflows and strategic collaborations. Explore our remote sensing solutions or contact us to discuss how hyperspectral imaging can support your mission.
