An evidential reasoning structure for integrating geophysical, geological and remote sensing data

The reasoning process is a very important issue in the knowledge-based approach of integrating multiple spatial data sets for resource exploration. A set of reasoning processes based on evidential belief function theory is formulated and tested. The uncertainty propagation mechanisms formulated work well for integrated exploration problems. Evidential belief function theory provides a natural theoretical basis for representing and integrating spatially unbalanced geophysical and geological information. The reasoning processes discussed are tested using real mineral exploration data sets from Snow Lake area, Northern Manitoba, Canada. The test results outline the target exploration areas successfully and demonstrate the effectiveness of the reasoning mechanisms of the knowledge based approach