The SnowImager is an instrument that allows to take near infrared reflection images of a snow surface / profile. The main components of the SnowImager are a near infrared illumination system and two cameras to capture the reflected light. The housing of the SnowImager acts as a sun (light) shield.

The snow imager is held against the snow profile with its open side. By pressing the release button, a background (dark) and a reflectance (illuminated) image is captured and stored to a connected memory stick. The imageable area is approximately 300 mm x 400 mm. Typically several overlapping images are captured and stitched together in post processing in order to image larger areas.

There are two dedicated wavelengths, 850 nm and 940 nm that can be triggered separately. Retractable reflectance reference targets allow to calibrate the captured images. An attachable grid plate allows to take images of a narrow slit that is necessary for snow density retrieval.

The dimensions of the SnowImager are approximately 440 x 340 x 320 mm. The approximate weight is 4.7 kg. There is also a foldable version that can be compressed for transportation. Power is supplied by a external 24V power bank.