An evaluation of digitally enhanced LANDSAT data as applied to mineral and hydrocarbon exploration

Digital enhancement of satellite data from NASA´s Land Satellite (LANDSAT) is providing new information useful to a variety of natural resources investigations, including mineral and hydrocarbon exploration. Experience has revealed that digital processing of the satellite´s computer compatible tapes is the only feasible and efficient method for extracting the maximum amount of valuable geological information contained in them. This study provided an opportunity to critically evaluate the application of enhanced data in extracting additional geological information from test sites in Central Colorado and northwestern Canada, which are areas of significant metallic mineralization and hydrocarbon potential, respectively.