ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to review some examples where remote sensing has contributed to the discovery of hydrocarbons. Case histories are given for basins in different stages of exploration maturity, for structural and stratigraphic traps, and using different sensor systems. Of necessity this is an incomplete list, and readers are referred to the literature for more extensive readings. It is important to repeat here that remote sensing in and of itself is not a stand-alone exploration tool. None of the discoveries reviewed here are exclusively the result of a remote sensing/photogeologic study. Indeed, in most exploration programs the contribution of remote sensing comes at the start of the program; that is, it is used to dene an area wherein to stake claims, to acquire leases, or to design follow-up surveys. Therefore, although there are some cases of discoveries made using only remote sensing surveys, in most cases remote sensing is but one early step in a long process of integrating multiple data sets. The case histories herein are culled from the remote sensing and industry literature and are meant to serve as examples of different approaches to exploration programs.
