What is the relation between what we see and what is there? Ground Truth observes the evolution of visual technology in conversation with our perception and surroundings. The more technology develops, the more abstract seeing becomes. 

Equipped with the phenomenal power of computation, photography and hyperspectral imaging, a group of scientists set out to approach the boundaries of satellite imaging in the forests of Finland. Using meticulous on‑site measurements of physical structures and spectral properties of trees, ‘ground truth’ data are experimental results to verify the performance of predicting models. Their quest is to develop an improved interpretation model of satellite data for remote sensing research, which allows us to distinguish various features of the surface beyond what is shown optically in satellite imagery. 

In Ground Truth Sheung Yiu (HK/FI) interweaves archival imagery, documentary photography, experimental data and artistic work, to acquaint the reader with the mathematical models that provide us the tools to ‘resurrect’ trees from a two-dimensional image. Ground Truth highlights the complexity of seeing in the age of algorithms. What do we see when we are not around? What can we see when there is nothing there? 

Designed by Emery Norton

Published by The Eriskay Connection

Special thanks to associate professor Miina Rautiainen and researcher Daniel Schraik, Aarne Hovi, and Petri Forsström from the research project “From needles to landscapes: a novel approach to scaling forest spectra” at Aalto University.

For the international audience, you can get the book here

For Finland-based readers, please get the book here, or email me to get a book delivered to you.

Now also in the Ulkofennica (expatriate Finn) collection of The Finnish National Library

The artist would like to thank Frame Contemporary Art Finland and the Kone Foundation for supporting the printing of the book.