Photogeology

Studies demonstrate how photointerpretation can be a primary tool for geologists.  Photogeology instructs and provides practical experience in interpretation of structure, lithology, land forms and surface processes.  Interpretations are made of stereographic air photos and satellite images.  Optional field trip.  Prerequisites:  GEOL 1100 and 2100.  (Normally offered alternate spring semesters).

Photogeology Course Summary

2 lectures, 2 laboratories per week, 3 credit hours
Grades will be based upon exams and laboratory exercises.

Goals:

Photointerpretation is an essential tool in geology and other earth sciences.  It is particularly important to hydrologists and environmental geologists who deal regularly with surface and near-surface phenomena.

With the increasing utility of global satellite systems, multispectral imaging, and information handling through digital geographic information systems, photointerpretation techniques have been modified to accommodate the new data types and applications; but the basic process is still much the same and photointerpetation is still one of the most important tools available to the earth scientist.  It is the intent of this course to introduce the student to the basic concepts and techniques of image interpretation and to offer opportunity to gain experience with these techniques through laboratory exercises.  In addition to teaching the basic techniques of photointerpretation, the course should allow the student to improve skills and background knowledge in several ways:

1. Through classroom illustrations and laboratory exercises, we will examine geologic features as they appear on photographs and discover how they might be treated by an experienced photointerpreter.
2. The student will have opportunity to examine and/or use both classical photointerpretation equipment and some of the latest innovations in the science of photointerpretation and map making. Laboratory assignments are intended to demonstrate how photointerpretation skills can be applied to various intents and how to use these skills effectively together with remote sensing, computer cartography, and GIS data analysis.
3. The overall course experience should thoroughly acquaint the student with the essential photointerpretation tools while providing a basic level of experience in how to apply these tools effectively to many geologic problems.  It will also serve as a very valuable base upon which to build broader experience in photogeologic interpretation, remote sensing, image processing, photogrammetry, computer cartography, and geographic information systems.
4. In class discussion of results of interpretations lend valuable insight into different perspectives and the possible variations in observation and interpretation.

Photogeology Tentative Schedule and Reading Assignments

Avery, Eugene, 1992, Interpretation of Aerial Photos

Prost, G.L., 2001, Remote Sensing for Geologists

Other References:

Allum, J.A.E., 1966, Photogeology & Regional Mapping
Earth Science Curriculum Project, 1968, Stereo Atlas
Gravenor, C.P., Green, R., and Godfrey, J.D., 1960, Air Photographs of Alberta
Miller, V.C., and Miller, C.F., 1961, Photogeology
Ray, R.G., 1960, Aerial Photographs in Geologic Interpretation and Mapping
Rasher, M.E., and Weaver, W., 1990, Basic Photo Interpretation
Von Bandat, Horst F., 1962, Aerogeology

Weekly Schedule:

Week 1:  Maps and projections, project design and obtaining data, general photo interpretation
   Laboratory:  Review of maps and basic procedures

Week 2:  Flight pattern, stereo geometry, system and image characteristics
   Laboratory:  Measurements and quantitative estimates from air photos

Week 3:  Non-photographic imaging systems, scanners and radar
   Laboratory:  Interpretation of thermal and radar data

Week 4:  General lithologic interpretation
   Laboratory:  Lithologic interpretation

Week 5:  Interpretation of drainage patterns for interpretation of lithology and structure
   Laboratory:  Drainage analysis

Week 6:  Photomapping of contacts, formlines, and structure
   Laboratory:  Interpretation of structure

 Week 7:  Stratigraphic interpretation
   Laboratory:  Lithologic descrimination and stratigraphy

 Week 8:   Defining a stratigraphic sequence, making corrections, locating unconformities,  constructing a stratigraphic column
   Laboratory:  Constructing a composite stratigraphic column

Week 9:  Interpretation of landform and surficial deposits
   Laboratory:  Interpretation of surficial deposits

 Week 10:  Special landforms -- from weathering, glaciers, permafrost, salt diapirs, etc.
   Laboratory:  Interpretation of landforms

Week 11:  The 3-D presentation of geology
   Laboratory:  Structural interpretation,  developing a cross-section

Week 12:  Recognition of igneous and volcanic landforms and geology
   Laboratory:  Interpretation of landforms

Week 13:  Exploitation and Engineering applications
   Laboratory:  Engineering geologic analysis

Week 14:  Environmental application and interpretation
   Laboratory:  Environmental geologic analysis

Week 15:  FINAL EXAM