Automating interpretation of geological structures from landsat tm multi-spectral images and dems

Abstract

In this study using the Idrisi software system, a methodology for jointly analyzing and interpreting multi-spectral images and DEMs for extracting structural-geology features is given. In analyzing and interpreting multi-spectral images for geological features, certain criteria are employed to acquire information about the geological structures of the land, such as topographic, geomorphologic, and tectonic structures. The main criteria are color and color tones, topography, stream drainage patterns, and vegetation anomalies. In this study, Landsat TM multi-spectral images and a DEM of the Sierra Nevada region, California, USA, were experimentally used for geological interpretation. The results are presented and discussed in this paper. © 2004 International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. All rights reserved.