Spectral ratio imaging methods for geological remote sensing from aircraft and satellites

An improved photogrammetric technique (scannergrammetry) for the production of ratio images from multispectral scanner data is described. The multispectral technique is less affected by variations in atmospheric and solar illumination levels than single-channel scanner imagery of aerial photographs. Another advantage of the multispectral technique is the proportionality between ratios of a target deduced from ratio images, on the one hand, and ratios of reflectances calculated from laboratory spectra of samples from the target area, on the other hand. Several representative ratio images from aircraft and satellite data in the visible, reflective IR, and thermal IR regions are included. The geological applications suggested for ratio scannergrammetry include exploration of construction materials, soils, stratigraphy, volcanic ash flows, beaches, and sand dunes.