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Choosing the Right Spectroradiometer Instrument
FieldSpec
TerraSpec
LabSpec
continue a legacy of Precision
FieldSpec, TerraSpec, and LabSpec - Now Powered by SciAps Innovation
For more than 25 years, ASD’s FieldSpec®, TerraSpec®, and LabSpec® instruments have set the standard for near-infrared (NIR) spectral analysis in research, exploration, and industrial environments. Now part of the SciAps portable analyzers division, these gold-standard systems are backed by SciAps’ world-class engineering, support, and innovation.
“We’re proud to continue the legacy of excellence established by ASD and bring these industry-leading instruments into the SciAps portfolio,” says Don Sackett, CEO of SciAps. “We’re not just maintaining quality—we’re evolving it for today’s toughest field and lab challenges.”
Whether you're mapping mineralogy from the sky or drilling into data on the ground, SciAps spectroradiometers offer precise, reliable, and application-ready performance across the entire spectrum of exploration and analysis.
Overview
Comparison Chart
Selecting the right spectral analysis instrument depends on your budget, environment, and performance needs. Each model—FieldSpec, TerraSpec, and LabSpec—offers unique advantages suited to specific applications.
Feature
Fiber Optic Cable
Auxiliary Power Supply
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Cable Swap-ability
Recommended Use Case
FieldSpec
Factory-installed, not field-replaceable
Required for contact probes or low-light conditions
Best (direct optics to diffraction gratings)
Requires factory service for cable replacement
Best signal-to-noise ratio required. Reliable, stable factory installation of fiber optic cable. Users are mindful of the fiber optic cable.
TerraSpec
User-connected with SMA 905 connector
Required for contact probes or low-light conditions
Sufficient (signal loss at jumper cable connection)
Field swappable for convenience in rough and remote situations
Mining environments with rough handling and need for easy cable replacement. Repeated user check of fiber optic cable at SMA connection acceptable.
LabSpec
User-connected with SMA 905 connector
Required for contact probes or low-light conditions
Sufficient (signal loss at jumper cable connection)
Field swappable for convenience in rough and remote situations
Controlled lab settings with potential for varied measurement setups. Start-up user check of fiber optic cable at SMA connection acceptable.
FieldSpec
Best for: Users requiring maximum sensitivity, ideal for outdoor and remote sensing applications.
- Superior Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Twice as sensitive as TerraSpec and LabSpec, making it the best choice for working with limited natural light sources like sunlight.
- Permanent Fiber Optic Cable: Factory-installed to eliminate signal loss at junction points, ensuring optimal performance.
- Recommended for Sunlight Use: Essential for reliable data collection under natural light.
- Ideal for Remote Sensing: Used for ground-truthing overflight sensors, matching satellite data, and ensuring accurate spectral measurements under varying environmental conditions.
TerraSpec
Best for: Users requiring maximum sensitivity, ideal for outdoor and remote sensing applications.
- User-Replaceable Fiber Optic Cable: SMA 905connector allows quick cable replacement in the field, minimizing downtime.
- Use with Artificial Light Sources: Can compensate for lower sensitivity with artificial light sources.
- Bifurcated Cable Compatibility: Ideal for precise spot measurements in mining applications.
- Geology & Mining Applications: Designed for enclosed formations, core logging, and reconnaissance sampling.
LabSpec
Best for: Users requiring maximum sensitivity, ideal for outdoor and remote sensing applications.
- Cost-Effective Alternative: Provides a lower-cost solution for those not requiring FieldSpec’s high-end performance.
- Artificial Light Advantage: Lower signal-to-noise ratio
can be compensated with powerful artificial light sources. - User-Replaceable Fiber Optic Cable: Features SMA 905 connector for easy cable replacement and flexible light source options.
Key Differences
at a Glance
Cable Design
FieldSpec has a permanently factory-installed fiber optic cable, while TerraSpec and LabSpec use jumper cables with SMA 905 connectors for field repairs and varied setups.
Signal Sensitivity
FieldSpec outperforms both TerraSpec and LabSpec, especially in natural light conditions.
Use Case
FieldSpec excels in outdoor, high-accuracy conditions; TerraSpec is ideal for mining and rugged fieldwork; LabSpec suits budget-conscious buyers working with artificial light.
The Mineral Exploration Process
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Aerial Survey with Sensors: Specialized sensors scan large areas for mineral deposits.
Ground-Level Confirmation with FieldSpec: Validates and refines aerial survey images.
Targeted Drilling: Uses confirmed data to identify precise drilling locations.
Material Analysis: XRF identifies metals, while NIR pinpoints specific mineral compositions.
Post-Dispersive vs. Pre-Dispersive Systems
Why Post-Dispersive Technology Matters
Post-Dispersive Systems
Disperse light after reflection, allowing external light sources like the sun to be used.
Pre-Dispersive Systems
Disperse light before reaching the sample, relying on an internal light source.
Measures reflected energy from external light sources.
Adapts to different lighting conditions without internal light dependence.
Provides reliable calibration for spectral radiometry.
Additional Tools for Enhanced Measurement Accuracy
Palm Grip with Bare Fiber Optic Input
Secures the fiber optic cable during fieldwork.
Prevents damage from unexpected tension.
Ensures consistent lighting conditions during measurements.
Telescopic Tubes for Long-Range Measurements
1-degree fore optic: Measures distant objects up to 100 feet away.
Smaller telescopic tubes: Focus on specific areas within 10 feet.
Spot Size Matching: Ensures accurate data by aligning instrument field of view with satellite pixel resolution.
Ground Truthing Applications
- FieldSpec is the preferred choice due to its ability to handle atmospheric interference.
- LabSpec and TerraSpec are not recommended for remote sensing due to significant limitations.
- FieldSpec mitigates noise in atmospheric absorption bands at 1,400 nm and 1,900 nm.
Remote Sensing Applications
- LabSpec and TerraSpec are not designed for remote sensing.
- TerraSpec with a High Brite Contact Probe can assist in building spectral libraries.
- Accurate field conditions replication is crucial for supporting overflight sensors.
Mining Applications
- Budget-conscious users may prefer LabSpec or TerraSpec for
field-swap-able fiber optics. - FieldSpec offers the most versatility for unknown materials and complex optical properties.
- TerraSpec and LabSpec are effective for reflectance measurements with artificial light in factory settings.
For accurate, high-quality spectral analysis across various environments, FieldSpec, TerraSpec, and LabSpec each provide specialized solutions tailored to your needs.
