Title: ASTER geoscience tools for Australia: applications for regional mapping

Authors: Matilda Thomas, Tom Cudahy, Mike Caccetta, Rob Hewson

Abstract:

Improving techniques for mapping land surface composition at regional- to continental-

scale is the next step in delivering the benefits of remote sensing technology to
Australia. New methodologies and collaborative efforts have been made as part of a multi-
agency project to facilitate uptake of these techniques. Calibration of ASTER data with high
resolution HyMAP has been very promising, and following an initial project in Queensland, a
mosaic has been made for the Gawler-Curnamona region in South Australia. These
programs, undertaken by Geoscience Australia, CSIRO, and state and industry partners, aims
to refine and standardise processing and to make them easily integrated with other datasets
in a GIS.

Alteration chemistry associated with footprints of mineral systems, as well as surface and
near-surface bedrock locations, and regolith characterisation and distribution can be
acquired by analysing spectral ground response, particularly in short-wave infra-red. Key
materials that can be identified include clays and magnesium, iron, and aluminium
oxyhydroxides, as well as information on mineral composition, abundance and
physicochemistry (including crystallinity) for minerals such as kaolinite, which can be used as
a surrogate for identifying transported versus in situ regolith material.

New methodology for ASTER calibration, and testing for compensation for atmospheric
residuals, lichen and other vegetation cover effects have been developed by
CSIRO. Calibration and processing of terabytes of multi-scene imagery to produce a
standardised suite of ESRI GIS products will improve usability and comparison with other
datasets such as radiometrics, geology, and topography layers in 2D maps. These methods
have considerable application for mapping geomorphic processes, understanding and
characterising chemical dispersion pathways, and targeting surface sampling for mineral
exploration.