ABSTRACT: Evaluation of satellite radar(SAR) interferometric coherence images for geologic and landcover mapping, and comparison with LANDSAT TM optical imagery, SE Kalimantan, Indonesia

Barton, Robert H., and Walter D. Tomlinson , Spectra Resources, Inc, Houston, TX

Optical satellite imagery has been used successfully for geologic and environmental interpretation and mapping for sometime. However, optical imagery is limited by its inability to penetrate clouds. Many of the prime exploration areas, such as Indonesia, are found in areas where cloud cover is a significant barrier to the use of imagery.

Satellite SAR operates in wavelengths that allows imaging of perennially cloud prone areas. However, these SAR images have limitations in discriminating wide classes of surface attributes and conditions. Interferometric processing significantly increases the ability to define these features.

This study evaluated the utility of RADAR Coherence images for mapping surface geologic features and landcover/landuse categories. The study compared the features and attributes that were mappable from both the optical and Coherence images and the variation of signature characteristics for each image type.

For geologic features the analysis comprised a qualitative comparison of the interpretability of each image type, any variations in apparent structural dimensions of mapped features, and possible discrimination of various surface lithologies.

The evaluation of the Coherence imagery for landcover/landuse mapping utilized various filtering, image classification, change detection, and GIS mapping techniques.

This study has shown that RADAR Coherence imagery can be successfully used to aid in geologic and environmental mapping in cloud covered areas.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90913©2000 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Bali, Indonesia