Mapping Thermal Features Of The Rotorua Geothermal Field Using Aerial Thermal Infrared Photography: 1988 vs 2014

Abstract

Aerial thermal infrared (TIR) surveys of geothermal areas have been used for identifying and monitoring surface geothermal features for over 24 years in New Zealand. The technique has been successful in mapping the locations and extent of thermal anomalies and obtaining estimates of relative surface temperatures in geothermal areas thus making it a useful monitoring tool. Over 1500 surface geothermal features are mapped in the Rotorua Geothermal Field (RGF), New Zealand. Surface geothermal features include geysers, springs, hot pools, mud pools and thermal ground. TIR data collected in 2014 over the RGF is presented, demonstrating the significant technological advances in collecting TIR data that have been made since the first TIR survey over Rotorua in 1988. Advantages of the current data collection and processing techniques include; the ability to collect large areas of data economically, Geographical Information System (GIS) compatibility of the final TIR data, and the use of GIS processing techniques to assist with the analysis and interpretation of the data.