Automatic Lineament Detection Using Digital Elevation Models with Second Derivative Filters

A grid operator designed for the analysis of potential field data has been applied to a digital elevation model for the detection of lineaments. The results obtained have been evaluated using both an existing lineament map of the area and a field investigation. The evaluation indicates that the suggested methodology facilitates lineament detection. The high degree of consistency between the suggested method and the existing tectonic map indicates that lineaments in the study area are largely topographic features. Field validation confirmed these findings except in a few well-defined situations.