Geologia

Geology

Remote sensing technology and products enable experts to have a valid set of support tools for creating geological maps and to reduce the number of on site inspections, with a concomitant fall in costs. As regards vulcanology and hydrology, the data collected by satellite are of great use for civil protection and communities affected by such problems .

Geological Maps
The creation of geological maps is mainly based on the aerial photograph interpretation of duly processed satellite images. At present, the most frequently used sensor for lithological study is the Thematic Mapper of the Landsat satellite, as the number of bands enables a wide range of processing possibilities that highlight the spectral differences among the various lithologies.

Vulcanology
The flow of earth heat is an extremely important indicator in the study of geothermal resources and the surveillance of active volcanoes. As elements for the analysis of the volcanic state, the distribution of the vegetation and multi-spectral technologies in the near, medium-distant and distant infrared fields, identifying the thermal anomalies. In the case of volcano strato with effusive eruptive mechanisms, remote sensing permits the mapping of the lava flow at different times as in the example of Etna, the volcano shown in the image at the side .

Etna

Hydrology

The data obtained from remote sensing make it possible to evaluate the moisture level of land mass surfaces. In particular, such parameters are important not only as regards prevention (still an experimental area) but also, and especially for studies following a landslide or avalanche.

Major results have been produced using remote sensing technology in the case of flooding. Using remote sensing to evaluate the degree of saturation and permeability of the terrain, makes it possible to draw up maps of flood risk areas, in the same way that multi-temporal analyses enable reliable estimates to be made of any resulting damage.