Analytically processed Landsat TM images for visual geological interpretation in the northern Scandinavian Caledonides

The best results for lithogical mapping and mineral exploration using remote sensing have hitherto been achieved in areas with arid or semi-arid climates, residual soils and with little or no vegetation cover. This study concerns the applicability of Landsat TM data for lithological mapping in a part of the northernmost Scandinavian Caledonides, dominated by bare rock but with frequent occurrence of vegetation-covered glacial deposits. In order to efficiently use existing image enhancement methods, e.g., principal component analysis and ratios, it is important to concentrate, as far is possible, on the spectral characteristics of the bedrock within the areas to be interpreted. The statistics for the processed images are then concentrated on bare rock and spectrally similar objects like soils. Various methods for image enhancement for geological purposes are discussed, and procedures for the removal of picture elements influenced by vegetation, water, clouds, snow and deep shadows are described.