3-DIMENSIONAL INTEGRATION OF REMOTELY-SENSED GEOLOGICAL DATA - A METHODOLOGY FOR PETROLEUM-EXPLORATION

The standard approach to integration of satellite imagery and sub-surface geological data has been the comparison of a map-view image interpretation with a selection of sub-surface cross-sections. The relationship between surface and sub-surface geology can be better understood through quantitative three-dimensional (3D) computer modeling. This study tests techniques to integrate a 3D digital terrain model with 3D sub-surface interpretations. Data types integrated, from a portion of the Paradox Basin, southeast Utah, include Landsat TM imagery, digital elevation data (DEM), and sub-surface gravity and magnetic data. Combined modeling of basement and topographic features suggests the traditional lineament analysis approach to structural interpretation is over-simplistic. Integration of DEM and image data displayed in 3D proved more effective for lithology discrimination than a map-view approach. Automated strike and dip interpretation algorithms require DEM data at resolutions better than 70 m by 90 m. The methodology tested is beneficial to interpretation of imagery data in frontier exploration areas.