Extracting mineral alteration information using WorldView-3 data

The multispectral commercial satellite-WorldView-3 (WV-3) has the highest spatial, spectral and radiation resolutions among the satellites currently and can generate good data in the shortwave infrared (SWIR). The study area is located in the Pobei area of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which is rich in mineral resources. The spectral analyses of some typical altered hydroxy-bearing, iron-bearing, and carbonate-bearing minerals could establish several Principal Component Analysis (PCA) models and mineral indices, using the visible and near infrared (VNIR) and the shortwave infrared (SWIR) subsystems of WV-3 data. In addition, the Spectral Angle Method and the spectrum index tool of ENVI software were used to extract the relevant alteration information. The WV-3 data is well suited for identifying hydroxy-bearing alteration with rich SWIR bands which distinguish Al-OH-bearing from Mg-OH-bearing alteration. Hence, this study provides a basis for the prediction of mineral resources in the Pobei area and sets the foundation for WV-3 data to be used as an important tool in extracting alteration information and prospecting practices.