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Abstract
Geological mapping within densely forested north-western Tasmania presents problems with access that requires the assistance of remote sensing geophysical technologies. Airborne multi-wavelength, multi-polarimetric and interferometric radar data (NASA’s topographic synthetic aperture radar (TOPSAR)) was applied and compared with geophysical, topographic and vegetation classification information to evaluate its potential to assist in the upgrading of existing published geological mapping. Detailed statistical analysis assessing the accuracy of TOPSAR interferometric imagery showed its reliability with only a small dependence on geological lithological units apparent. The finer 5 m resolution TOPSAR data (C-VV InSAR digital elevation model (DEM)) also reveals information about dykes, lineaments and possible structural trends, not seen in the coarser 30 m resolution shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM) data. Other sources of DEMs are available, such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging), but at a much higher cost. The longer wavelength P band radar with a horizontal–vertical polarisation (P-HV), also shows improvement over shorter wavelength C and L band radar for mapping lineaments and ground cover related to geological units and/or their geobotanical associations. The use of detailed vegetation classification information is recommended as part of any geological interpretation of such multi-wavelength and multi-polarimetric radar data.
Airborne multi-wavelength, multi-polarimetric and interferometric radar data (NASA’s AIRSAR/TOPSAR) was processed and applied for geological mapping within densely forested north-western Tasmania. The results successfully compared with geophysical, topographic and vegetation classification information and showed the potential of such data to assist in the upgrading of existing published geological mapping.
Acknowledgements
This study has been kindly supported and funded by Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT), Department of State Growth. The AIRSAR/TOPSAR radar data used for this study was acquired and delivered as part of the PACRIM 2 airborne campaign undertaken by JPL/NASA during 2000 in conjunction with Australian researchers including CSIRO. The joint University of Alaska Fairbanks and NASA Alaska Satellite Facility was also helpful in accessing SAR data for this project. Processing, analysis and interpretation of the supplied radar data was undertaken within the Centre for Remote Sensing of the School of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences, RMIT University. Technical assistance by Dr Phil Wilkes and IT support from Laurie Buxton of RMIT University was also helpful during this study. David Green and Mike Vicary publish with the permission of the Director of Mines, Tasmania.