BAKER, RALPH N., Amoco Production Co., Houston, TX
ABSTRACT: Evaluating Remote Sensor Data for Environmental Applications: A Systematic Approach
Current and soon-to-be launched sensor packages have greatly increased the type and diversity of remote sensor (RS) data sets available to address environmental problems. This wealth of information can leave the potential user with questions concerning the most efficient use of the data in terms of cost, technical considerations
(e.g., resolution and spectral band coverage), and suitability for specific applications.
A systematic approach is offered which guides the user in (1) identifying environmental problems which can be effectively addressed using RS systems, (2) evaluating the appropriate sensors for the specific application, and (3) exploring the synergistic advantage of combining the data sets using a GIS approach. A data set of high initial cost might yield little or no additional information if other sources can be combined effectively to yield the same information. Conversely, another set of relatively high initial cost but local coverage could provide the
required information by itself. Examples from the Gulf of Mexico (Project GOSAP) and an onshore industrial site illustrate how RS data is evaluated in terms of cost vs. information content for practical
application.
A proposal for a baseline/environmental monitoring technique (here called "ECOPAK") is described as a model for widespread application in the petroleum industry. This technique uses GIS software to combine diverse data sets and register them to a common base for analysis.
AAPG Search and
Discovery Article #90992©1993 AAPG Pacific Section Meeting, Long Beach,
California, May 5-7, 1993.