Hyperspectral cameras take images in different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The human eye sees in three different bands to create an image: red, green and blue. The hyperspectral camera sees in many more bands, that extend beyond  visible light.

Hyperspectral sensors collect information as a set of 'images'. Each image represents a range of the electromagnetic spectrum - a spectral band.

By imaging the terrain at different frequencies, scientists gain an idea of its composition and properties.