Semi-Automatic Fracture Mapping Using Cellular Neural Networks Applied to ALOS PALSAR 2 Images of the Western Highlands of Cameroon

In Cameroon in general and the Highlands of Cameroon particular, there is no fracture map since its realization not easy. The region’s harsh accessibility climatic conditions make it difficult to carry out geological prospecting field missions that require large investments. This study proposes a semi-automatic lineament mapping approach to facilitate elaboration of West Highlands. It uses neural networks tandem with PCI Geomatica’s LINE algorithm to extract lineaments semi-automatically from an ALOS PALSAR 2 radar image. The cellular network Lepage et al (2000) implemented to enhance pre-processed Then, module Geomatica is applied enhanced image for automatic extraction lineaments. Finally, a control validation expert by spatial analysis allows elaborating map. The results obtained show enhance facilitate the identification on resulting contains more than 1800 fractures major directions N20° - 30°, NS, N10° 20°, N50° 60°, N70° 80°, N80° 90°, N100° 110°, N110° 120° N130° 140° N140° - 150°. It can be very useful hydrogeological studies, and especially inform productivity aquifers this region high agro-pastoral mining interest Central African sub-region.