Geological Mapping of Mordor Pound Area, NT Based

on Landsat 8 Image by Using Robust Classification

Method (CRM)
Research proposal for GEOM7001 Advanced Earth Observation Sciences
By: Rio Nugroho (44192851)

Abstract
Field mapping as ultimate way to produce a geological map has some limitation in term of scale and
resources. To account for these issues, large scale mapping based on remotely sensed data is an
option to complement field mapping especially in the pre-mapping stage. Landsat 8 image will be
processed to produce geological map using robust classification method (CRM) and non-directional
sobel edge detector. This map will be assisted by variability map showing degree of uncertainty
produced by CRM. The validation will involve training data and existing geological map to show
accuracy and reliability of the product.

1. Introduction
The use of remote sensing in several branches of geology has been reported by various authors in
field of lineament extraction (Parsons and Yearley, 1986; Yazdi et al., 2013; Mwaniki, Moeller and
Schellmann, 2015), volcano monitoring (Urai, 2000), lithologic mapping (Kavak, 2005; Rowan,
Mars and Simpson, 2005; Behnia et al., 2012; He et al., 2015; Mwaniki, Moeller and Schellmann,
2015), and mineral exploration (Sabins, 1999; Carranza and Hale, 2002; Di Tommaso and
Rubinstein, 2007; Yazdi et al., 2013). It was suggested to be a supplementary process to assist in
pre-field-mapping stage or in revising existing map (Sabins, 1999; Mickus and Johnson, 2001).
In this research, information from Landsat 8 image will be extracted to compile a geological map of
Mordor Pound area, NT (Figure 1). Landsat 8 with 30 m spatial resolution is considered enough to
produce regional map that comparable to 1:100,000 existing geological map (Larson, 2005). It
means that there will be more than 900 pixels within 1 cm2 of existing geological map which gives
considerably high level of detail. As geological features in the area is not affected by catastrophic
geologic or anthropomorphic events in the last 4 decades, Landsat 8 revisit time of 16 days will
provide relatively similar geological features compared to the time when field mapping was
conducted (Larson, 2005). As most rock-forming minerals has distinguishable spectral signature in
VNIR and SWIR wavelength, Landsat 8 image is considered to be capable of showing the
delineating the rocks. The research will employ image preprocessing, visual recognition using false
colour composite, supervised classification using robust classification method (Harris et al., 2012),
and lineament extraction. Validation will also be performed using independent training data and
existing geological map.

2. Aims
Objectives of this research are to produce geological map of well exposed rock based on Landsat 8
image while assessing Robust Classification Method (CRM).

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3. Statement of the problem
Field geological mapping is currently still the most accurate way to produce geological map as it
involves direct interaction with the rocks. However, it might be limited by several constrains such
as number of personnel, extent of mapping area, location of mapping area, and budget. For
example, geological map referred in this research has scale of 1:100,000 which means field the data
spacing used in the mapping was roughly 1 km.
Regarding nowadays ease of acquiring remotely sensed data, in this case Landsat 8, extensive
research in image classification, and large database of minerals spectral signature, pre-field
mapping geological map can be produced to enhance field mapping strategies or revise existing
map. It has been reported that information from remotely sensed imagery can be extracted to
produce lithological maps (Mickus and Johnson, 2001; Kavak, 2005; Behnia et al., 2012; Harris et
al., 2012; He et al., 2015) or even identification of potentially mineralised area (Carranza and Hale,
2002; Pal et al., 2011; Yazdi et al., 2013). By using image processing technique, nation-scale
geological map can even be produced (Mwaniki, Moeller and Schellmann, 2015). Some authors
involved image classification while others involved only image enhancements to increase
geological features. The best results were documented from arid area where less cloud and
vegetation present. However, It should be noted that in some cases the remotely sensed image
derived geological maps has limitation due to its spatial and spectral resolution. Hence, it should not
be used as ultimate substitution to field mapping (Sabins, 1999).
Remote sensing approach to map a part Mordor Pound has been conducted previously by utilising
laboratory-acquired rock spectral signatures and ASTER image (Rowan, Mars and Simpson, 2005).
However, no quantified accuracy assessment was reported. To fill the knowledge gap, this research
will utilise RCM in mapping the area which has been reported to be relatively quantitively-accurate
in mapping geological features of other area (Behnia et al., 2012; He et al., 2015). The challenge to
be faced in this research is absence of primary spectral signature data of rocks as no field work will
be conducted to confirm the remote sensing derived map.

4. Data set used

A cloud-free sub-scene of 10 km times 10 km Landsat 8 image from path 102 row 76 taken at 24
August 2017. This subscene represent area around Mordor Pound (Figure 1) which is approximately
50 km northeast of Alice Springs. The image has been geometrically corrected. Hence,
georeferencing is not required.
Digital geological map of Strangways Range Region, Northern Territory scaled 1:100,000 (Larson,
2005) is also going to be used as reference and validation component in this research. From
geological map, it can be observed that with not obvious surface feature differences, there is quite
complicated geological setting (Figure 2).

5. Brief outline of the processing steps

5.1. Pre-processing
The image will be converted into top of atmosphere (TOA) reflectance by employing band algebra
using parameters contained in the metadata. Later, dark-object subtraction (DOA) (Chavez, 1988)
will be applied to produce at surface reflectance. It is done to produce comparable spectral signature
to existing spectral library and other references.
Subsetting of the image will be done after atmospheric correction due to location of the dark object

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outside the area of interest. Regarding this issue, preprocessing up to DOA is expected to be
relatively heavier than later processing.

Figure 1. Landsat 8 true colour preview image showing Mordor Pound area (red rectangle).

5.2. Processing

5.2.1. False Colour Composite (FCC)

This method is applied to visualise lithologies based on their minerals' characteristics on absroption
and scattering (Mickus and Johnson, 2001; Behnia et al., 2012; Yazdi et al., 2013; He et al., 2015;
Mwaniki, Moeller and Schellmann, 2015). It is done as preliminary visual assessment of the
lithologic classes utilising geologist knowledge before proceeding to automated supervised
classification. It might show difference in classification compared to existing geological map.

5.2.2. Supervised Classification using RCM

For classifying, Robust Classification Method (RCM) will be employed (Harris et al., 2012) with
the flowchart can be observed on Figure 4. This research will use 10 repetition which means that the
generation of classification map will be run 10 times with random subset of the dataset. Final
majority map and variability map will be compiled based on those 10 maps. This method is chosen
as it involves cross-validation of generated maps prior to production of final classification map. The
10 times repetition is chosen as it was reported to be minimum number of repetition yielding stable
accuracy (He et al., 2015). This method also provide variability map which shows uncertainty
present in data interpretation.
The training data type are going to be set in polygon to account for geographical diversity (Harris et

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al., 2012). It will be based on FCC visual observation combined with spectral signatures assessment
of each stratigraphic unit to account for probability of class merging due to similar mineralogical
composition. Based on the geological map, it might be classified to quartzose, ultramafics, granitic
rocks, carbonates, alluvium, and schist (Table 1 and).
Maximum likelihood classification method is planned be used as it was reported to produce
relatively reliable result (Behnia et al., 2012; Harris et al., 2012). However, It should be noted that
this method is apparently sensitive to skewed data (He et al., 2015).

Figure 2. Geological map overlain on Landsat 8 image showing distribution of lithologies

(geological layer was downloaded from https://d28rz98at9flks.cloudfront.net/61624/61624.zip).

Table 1. Tentative classification based on major mineralogy (abbreviations refer to Figure 2).
Class Major mineralogy Stratigraphic units (code)
Quartzose Quartz -Puh, Czc, Qs, Th, Thg
Ultramafics Olivine, pyroxene, -Pm>1
hornblende
Granitic rocks Quartz, feldspar, biotite, -Pge, -Pgn, -Pm>1, p-C, p-
muscovite Cm, p-Cr?, p-Csc^1, p-Csc^2,
p-Cv, p-Cz, Pzr
Carbonates Calcite, dolomite -Pub
Alluvium Mixed detritus Czc, Qa, Qc, Qs, Thg
Schist Biotite Pzr

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 Figure 3. View of Mordor Pound to the northern quartzite range (Dunster, 2011)

5.2.3. Lineament Extraction

Structural feature will be extracted by performing non directional sobel edge detector to band 8 and
band ratio of 5/1 and 6/2 (Mwaniki, Moeller and Schellmann, 2015). The results will be combined
and overlaid to majority classification map as geological structure overlay. It is going to be
conducted because those bands and band ratio has high contrast in different lithology which
commonly reflects structural discontinuity.

5.3. Validation
For classification, independent validations are going to be conducted for each repetition image
using reserved one third of training data subset not used for image classification (He et al., 2015). It
is chosen as they are of same population with very similar spectral signatures and no repeated
random training acquisition is needed which increase time efficiency.
Validation of majority classification map using new training data based on available geological
map modified to match generated classes is also going to be conducted. It is going to be conducted
to validate the map to field work based map.
The validation will show each class and overall accuracy showing average commission, average
omission, average producers, and average users accuracy.
Structural validation will be done by comparing extracted structure to existing geological map

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visually considering lithological offset based on geologist knowledge.

Figure 4. General flowchart of CRM (after Harris et al., 2012)

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Planned timeline of the research from 11 September – 23 October 2017 can be observed on Table
2 below:

Table 2. Planned timeline of the research.

Steps 18/09/17 25/09/17 02/10/17 09/10/17 16/10/17 23/10/17
Data Acquisition
Preprocessing
Classification
Lineaments extraction
Report compiling

6. Expected Results
RCM method is expected to produce ten classification images from each repetition with accuracy
assessment tables as validations. Combined majority classification image, accuracy assessment
table, and variability images are also going to be produced.
The final result will be geological map composed of majority classification map overlain by
geological structure extracted from sobel edge detection. This final map is not expected to reflect all
lithological unit in existing geological map as similar lithology might cause units merging.

7. References
Behnia, P. et al. (2012) ‘Remote predictive mapping of bedrock geology using image classification
of Landsat and SPOT data, western Minto Inlier, Victoria Island, Northwest Territories, Canada’,
International Journal of Remote Sensing, 33(21), pp. 6876–6903. doi:
10.1080/01431161.2012.693219.

Carranza, E. J. M. and Hale, M. (2002) ‘Mineral imaging with Landsat Thematic Mapper data for
hydrothermal alteration mapping in heavily vegetated terrane’, International Journal of Remote
Sensing, 23(22), pp. 4827–4852. doi: 10.1080/01431160110115014.

Chavez, P. S. (1988) ‘An improved dark-object subtraction technique for atmospheric scattering
correction of multispectral data’, Remote Sensing of Environment, 24(3), pp. 459–479. doi:
10.1016/0034-4257(88)90019-3.

Di Tommaso, I. and Rubinstein, N. (2007) ‘Hydrothermal alteration mapping using ASTER data in
the Infiernillo porphyry deposit, Argentina’, Ore Geology Reviews, 32(1–2), pp. 275–290. doi:
10.1016/j.oregeorev.2006.05.004.

Dunster, J. (2011) Final surrender report for EL 10404 Mordor. CR2011-0543. Rum Jungle
Resources. Available at: http://www.geoscience.nt.gov.au/gemis/ntgsjspui/handle/1/76472
(Accessed: 8 September 2017).

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 Harris, J. R. et al. (2012) ‘A robust, cross-validation classification method (RCM) for improved
mapping accuracy and confidence metrics’, Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing, 38(1), pp. 69–90.
doi: 10.5589/m12-013.

He, J. et al. (2015) ‘A comparison of classification algorithms using Landsat-7 and Landsat-8 data
for mapping lithology in Canada’s Arctic’, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 36(8), pp.
2252–2276. doi: 10.1080/01431161.2015.1035410.

Kavak, K. S. (2005) ‘Recognition of gypsum geohorizons in the Sivas Basin (Turkey) using ASTER
and Landsat ETM+ images’, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 26(20), pp. 4583–4596. doi:
10.1080/01431160500185607.

Larson, R. (2005) ‘Digital Geology and Lithology of the Strangways Range Region, Northern
Territory 1:100,000 scale map sheet 5751 and part of sheet 5651’. Geoscience Australia. Available
at: https://d28rz98at9flks.cloudfront.net/61624/61624.zip.

Mickus, K. and Johnson, E. (2001) ‘Mapping sedimentary and volcanic units within and
surrounding Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, using Landsat-5 and SPOT panchromatic
data’, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 22(10), pp. 1919–1935. doi:
10.1080/01431160121297.

Mwaniki, M. W., Moeller, M. S. and Schellmann, G. (2015) ‘A comparison of Landsat 8 (OLI) and
Landsat 7 (ETM+) in mapping geology and visualising lineaments: A case study of central region
Kenya’, The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial
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Pal, S. K. et al. (2011) ‘Utilization of Landsat ETM+ data for mineral-occurrences mapping over
Dalma and Dhanjori, Jharkhand, India: an Advanced Spectral Analysis approach’, International
Journal of Remote Sensing, 32(14), pp. 4023–4040. doi: 10.1080/01431161.2010.484430.

Parsons, A. J. and Yearley, R. J. (1986) ‘An analysis of geologic lineaments seen on LANDSAT
MSS imagery’, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 7(12), pp. 1773–1782. doi:
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Rowan, L. C., Mars, J. C. and Simpson, C. J. (2005) ‘Lithologic mapping of the Mordor, NT,
Australia ultramafic complex by using the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection
Radiometer (ASTER)’, Remote Sensing of Environment. (Scientific Results from ASTER), 99(1–2),
pp. 105–126. doi: 10.1016/j.rse.2004.11.021.

Sabins, F. F. (1999) ‘Remote sensing for mineral exploration’, Ore Geology Reviews, 14(3–4), pp.
157–183. doi: 10.1016/S0169-1368(99)00007-4.

Urai, M. (2000) ‘Volcano monitoring with Landsat TM short-wave infrared bands: The 1990-1994
eruption of Unzen Volcano, Japan’, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 21(5), pp. 861–872.
doi: 10.1080/014311600210335.

Yazdi, M. et al. (2013) ‘Landsat ETM+ imaging for mineral potential mapping: application to Avaj
area, Qazvin, Iran’, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 34(16), pp. 5778–5795. doi:
10.1080/01431161.2013.797127.

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