Abstract

Hyperspectral Geodatabases of Mineral Deposits in Afghanistan
Track: Mining and Geosciences
Authors: Stuart Giles

In 2007, as part of the ongoing U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Afghanistan Project, the USGS acquired 128-band hyperspectral imaging data of Afghanistan by airborne survey. The USGS processed and analyzed these data to produce surficial material maps, which were then integrated with existing raster and vector data. In 2010, a series of 24 geodatabases were constructed, each focusing on particular areas and sub-areas of interest with known commodities or mineral deposits. In addition to the classified hyperspectral raster data, each geodatabase includes Landsat Thematic Mapper, digital elevation, and shaded relief rasters, as well as vector feature classes of geology, faults, mineral deposits, hydrology, roads, population centers, and cultural features and boundaries. The geodatabases were subsequently used to export shapefiles and generate maps as a demonstration of flexibility and portability. These geodatabases will be used by the Afghan government as data repositories and to attract future mining investment and economic development.