Space Photography's Role in Exploration: ABSTRACT

Space, or hyperaltitude, photographs are defined as End_Page 621------------------------------ photographs taken from orbital altitudes. Sufficient relatively high-quality space photography is available to permit evaluation of selected areas offering a broad spectrum of structural complexities, rock types, and geographic locations. An important aspect of hyperaltitude photography is the synoptic overview of large areas without regard to natural and artificial boundaries. This type of view will prove quite valuable in regional geologic studies and the planning of exploratory programs. Many difficult geologic problems in one area may easily be solved by comparison with another area where the critical relations are exposed. Certain electronic image enhancement techniques may prove to be a valuable aid in the interpretations process, especially for the ERTS imagery. The ERTS progra scheduled for 1972 will furnish imagery with a ground resolution of 400-600 ft. The Skylab program in 1973 will provide the geologist with excellent color photography with 30-60-ft resolution of large areas between the 50th parallels. Space photography should yield important data which will result in a much better understanding of such things as major tectonism, continental drift, nearshore deposition, and comparative geology on a global scale. End_of_Article - Last_Page 622------------