Application of image processing methods in edge detection of potential field data

Abstract

On the basis of conventional methods for edge detection on potential field data, various source edge enhancement techniques have been studied to improve signal-to-noise ratio and localization accuracy. However, problems such as low resolution, noise interference and false edge information still exist. In this paper, three image processing methods are introduced, which use the Canny, LoG and Sobel operators. We describe briefly the principle of the methods and apply them to edge detection of geological bodies. As well, three typical numerical calculation methods of edge detection are selected and compared with image processing methods on edge detection effect. The results show that image processing methods can effectively identify the edge of geological bodies, especially for the Canny operator, which can prevent the introduction of errors and is insensitive to noise. To verify the practical application effect of these image processing methods, magnetic anomaly data from the Zhurihe area in China are processed in this paper. The results indicate that the Canny operator is capable of detecting the edge position of geological bodies in the study area more clearly, and that the edges corresponds to known information. Therefore, image processing methods can be used in edge detection and that satisfactory practical application can be achieved.