Abstract
A manual of analyzing structural features using LANDSAT imagery is reviewed on a basis of previous and recent works, which have been conducted by the author and his colleagus for the most part of the Japanese archipelago.
For general purpose of geological analysis it is recommended to use black and white photos of bands 5 and 7, and false color photo prepared in scale of 1/500, 000. In case of detecting detailed structural features, the photos could be enlarged to a scale of 1/200, 000. The main geological features detectable on LANDSAT imagery are geological units, bedding and foliation, folds, lineaments (tectonic line, fault, dike etc.), topographic features, and the anomalies such as mineral alternation. The lineaments are particularly the easiest feature to be studied and it is practically advisable to complete the lineament pattern for the first step of the analysis.
For further studies of LANDSAT interpretation of the surface geological structure, two new techniques have been proved practically useful; Edge enhancement and mosaic-making technique is quite helpful for analysis of lineament pattern. Manual treatment using band 7 has been successfully tried in four different directions. Digital treatment using computer has been also conducted. The first order of directional differentiation processing made in false color prints of bands 4, 5, and 7, the most simple form among possible digital processing with edge enhancement idea, has been proved very practical. The mosaic of LANDSAT imagery would be useful to obtain a quick look of regional geologic structure in a large area.
