Use of the Hough transform in automated lineament

Most lineament mapping is done visually using enhanced images. To automate this procedure partially, algorithms have been developed to imitate some of the visual rules employed by geologists when mapping lineaments. The Hough transform is described, and its capabilities for automated lineament analysis are demonstrated using part of a Landsat TM image of the Canadian Shield near Sudbury, ON, Canada. The results of the automated analyses are compared with the major faults shown on a geologic map of the area and with a visual assessment of an image of the same area undertaken by two remote sensing / geology specialists. The results show that automated interpretation identifies more of the faults than visual interpretation.