Satellite Remote Sensing has been a standard first step for the mineral and petroleum exploration industry. Satellite imagery from satellite sensors such as GeoEye-1, WorldView-2, QuickBird, IKONOS, ASTER and LANDSAT 7 +ETM have benefited geologists, scientists and exploration managers in earth sciences due to the advantage of large scale mapping and the sensors containing multiple band colors which allows them to interpret wavelengths that cannot be seen by the human eye, such as near infrared, short wave infrared and thermal infrared to identify the difference in structural features of the earth’s surface.

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IKONOS Satellite Image of Mining Operations in Nevada

Multispectral imaging and thematic mapping allows researchers to collect data of reflection and absorption properties of soils, rock, and vegetation. This data could be utilized to interpret actual surface lithology to identify clays, oxides and soils from satellite images.

The use of satellite imagery in mineral exploration, generally a combination of panchromatic and multispectral image data has been used in mineral and petroleum industries over the last decade. With higher resolution satellite sensors increasing over the last decade such as GeoEye-1 (0.41m) and WorldView-2 (0.46m) both providing panchromatic and multispectral full color imagery that is used to utilize enhanced spectral analysis for mapping, monitoring and analyzing landcover classification and extraction of culture data, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) classification and mapping, lithological classification, change detection, environmental monitoring,  development, land-use planning, visualization and simulation environments such as digital elevation models (DEMs) and 3d terrain modeling.

ASTER (15m) Satellite Images of Escondida open-pit mine in Atacama Desert, Chile

Geologists and Geoscientists have used satellite images to serve as databases from which they can do the following:

* Pick out rock units (stratigraphy)
* Study the expression and modes of the origin of landforms (geomorphology)
* Determine the structural arrangements of disturbed strata (folds and faults)
* Evaluate dynamic changes from natural events (e.g., floods; volcanic eruptions)
* Seek surface clues (such as alteration and other signs of mineralization) to subsurface deposits of ore minerals, oil and gas, and groundwater.
* Function as a visual base on which a geologic map is drawn either directly or on a transparent overlay.

A well collated and structured data base integrated into a powerful GIS project can be used to collect and create valuable data for the planning and exploration program for:

1. The advantage of creating large scale area maps which allows them to examine in single scenes or in mosaics the geological portrayal of Earth on a regional basis.
2. The ability to analyze multispectral bands quantitatively in terms of numbers permits them to apply special image processing techniques to discern and enhance certain compositional properties of Earth materials.
3. The capability of merging different types of remote sensing products (e.g., reflectance images with radar or with thermal imagery) or combining these with topographic elevation data (DEMs) and with other kinds of information bases (e.g., thematic maps; geophysical measurements and chemical sampling surveys) enables views of existing or planning of proposed mines.
4. Mapping subregional surface geology.
5. Creating field exploration maps with detailed views of access roads.

ASTER Satellite Image of Argyle Diamond Mine, Australia- DEM

Remote sensed data and GIS for mineral exploration is a key to management, planning and monitoring programs requiring on accurate information about the land cover in a region. Methods for monitoring vegetation and land change range from intensive field sampling with plot inventories to extensive analysis of remotely sensed data which has proven to be more cost effective for large regions, small site assessment and analysis.

Resource:

Satellite Imaging Corporation provides high resolution satellite imagery from satellite sensors such as GeoEye-1, WorldView-2 Worldview-1, QuickBird, IKONOS, SPOT-5 and other remote sensing products for analysis and mapping applications such as Geographic Information System (GIS).

The company specializes in mono and stereo satellite image processing techniques and produce seamless orthorectified satellite imaging mosaic DEM’s and 3D terrain models for many industries using GIS applications including, flight simulations and terrain modeling for your specific project needs.

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Now that you have made the switch to recycle bags, it is time to put your efforts into action. The following tips are designed to help you make the switch from plastic to reusable bags.

When making the switch to recycle bags it is important to consider how many bags are needed. Obviously, larger families will need larger shopping bags and individuals who shop more frequently will not need as many recycle bags as someone who only goes to the store once or twice a month.

In general, it is a good idea to buy between five and eight reusable bags. Shoppers who find they need more recycle bags can simply purchase more as they determine their personal needs.

While it is the most obvious point of becoming a reusable bag shopper, it is also considered the hardest part. Many shoppers find themselves forgetting their recycle bags when they head to the store. At least one reusable bag retailer, ITYSE.com, has found a way to cut down on the forgetfulness by designing a fashionable purse that also serves as a carrier for the recycle bags.

For those green shoppers who don’t have an iTsYE, it is a good idea to return the recycle bags to a purse or vehicle so they are accessible for the next trip to the store.

Does a cantaloupe really need a bag? Making the switch to recycle bags also means being a responsible user of plastic bags in general. Most of us are accustomed to bagging all of the items in the produce aisle. However, there are several products such as bananas and vine tomatoes that don’t necessarily call for a plastic bag.

While the use of recycle bags is becoming increasingly popular, most courtesy clerks are not well versed when it comes to utilizing the bags. Before the cashier begins to ring up the day’s items, inform him or her that you prefer to use your mesh grocery bags. The cashier, in return, will either bag the items or communicate the desire to the courtesy clerk.

Encourage the courtesy clerk to utilize the recycle bags to their fullest potential. Tell the clerk the bags can hold more items than plastic bags and discourage the bagging of larger items altogether.

Chris Kodama founded Ityse with her business partner Shawna Pierson. Ityse sells stylish purses that each hold several mesh bags inside. The purses are designed to help people save the planet in style.

Recycle Bags

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/making-the-switch-to-recycle-bags-1392834.html