Abstract. Classification of hyperspectral data is challenging because of high dimensionality inputs coupled with possible high dimensional outputs and scarcity of labeled information. Previously, a multiclassifier system was formulated in a binary hierarchical framework to group classes for accurate, rapid discrimination. In order to improve performance for small sample sizes, a new approach was developed that utilizes a feature reduction scheme which adaptively adjusts to the amount of labeled data available, while exploiting the fact that certain adjacent hyperspectral bands are highly correlated. The resulting best-basis binary hierarchical classifier (BB-BHC) family is thus able to address the "small sample size" problem, as evidenced by experimental results obtained from analysis of AVIRIS and Hyperion data acquired over Kennedy Space Center.