The imaging spectrometer combines the advantages of spectrum technology and imaging technology, which can perform qualitative, quantitative, timing and positioning analysis and has the advantage of "spectrum in one". Combined with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and manned aircraft, it can be used in many fields, especially in the field of environmental protection. Taking the frontier technology and system as the breakthrough point, the development status of the airborne imaging spectrometers is introduced. And through practical application cases, the various applications of the spectrometer in environmental protection field are introduced. Finally, the development of the spectrometer is prospected.