An Open Integrated Rock Spectral Library (RockSL) for a Global Sharing and Matching Service

Abstract

Minerals and rocks are important natural resources that are formed over a long period of geological history. Spectroscopy is the basis of the identification and characterisation of rocks and minerals via proximal sensing in the field or remote sensing systems with multi- and hyper-spectral capabilities. However, spectral data is scattered around different institutions worldwide and stored in various formats, resulting in poor data usability and an unnecessary waste of time and information. To improve the usability and performance of mineral spectral data, we developed an integrated open mineral spectral library (Rock Spectral Library, RockSL). Shared spectral data and related information were collected worldwide, and data cleaning measures were performed to retain the qualified spectra and merge all qualified data (raster, vector, and text formats) in a common framework to establish a reliable and comprehensive digital data set for an easy sharing and matching service. A software system was developed for the RockSL to manage, analyse, and apply the spectral data of minerals and rocks. We demonstrate how the information encoded in RockSL can determine the species of unknown rocks and describe specific mineral compositions. We also provide a reference scheme of the work chain and present key technologies for building different spectral libraries in diverse fields using RockSL. New contributions to RockSL are encouraged for this work to be improved to provide a better service and extend the applications of geo-sciences. This article introduces the characteristics of RockSL and demonstrates an experimental application.