Landsat provides a tool which can significantly aid geophysical exploration programs. It can be used for

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planning the exploration programs, it can be a link which coordinates data from conventional sources, and it can be an interpretation tool in its own right.

Landsat is currently used to map and plan data acquisition programs. It can be processed to provide accurate map quality displays and its continuous coverage makes it a prime source for current information in remote areas and on a worldwide basis.

Feature extraction from the Landsat data helps identify and locate crops, forest, marsh, and other factors which affect operations cost. Data-processing techniques which permit the extraction of depth over coastal waters make this tool useful in marine-acquisition programs as well. Remote bathymetry is providing accurate up-to-date hydrographic information in many areas of the world. Cost savings from this application of Landsat can offset the cost of Landsat data processing.

Frequently displayed at conventional map scales, the Landsat image itself becomes an excellent working document for compiling and integrating other sources of information. It provides the basis for confirming or questioning data quality and accuracy as they are completed. Landsat data can be processed to enhance the surface expressions of geologic features. This then aids the interpreter in the detection of faults, folds, lineaments, and other expression of subsurface geology.

The data lends itself to independent geologic interpretation which can then be compared to interpretations made from gravity or seismic data. The spectral characteristics of the multi-spectral sensor data can be processed to extract information, to enhance edges, and to aid in the detection of lineaments which aids the structural interpretation of the area. Also, the data can be processed to enhance spectral differences which aid in identifying surface rock types. Water-related features can be enhanced to aid in analyzing drainage and drainage patterns. With false color imagery, Landsat data will aid in analyzing vegetation, cultural features, accent faults, folds, and other geologic structures.

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