-1370- 
Given these figures, it is therefore understandable 
why a rapid and inexpensive tool such as remote sensing is 
playing an ever-increasing role in nuclear power plant 
siting studies and site validation studies. In Dames & Moore 
the role of remote sensing has progressed from landform 
identification, and tree counting exercises over small areas, 
using standard low-level aerial photography, to data gath- 
ering and analysis, for a radius of 200 miles from a site 
using computer enhanced imagery obtained from earth orbit- 
ing satellites, supplemented by gravity and magnetic surveys 
for definitive identification of geologic structures. 
Regulations 
Any site chosen for nuclear power plant construction 
must meet the criteria established by the regulatory agencies. 
The principal regulations relating to the seismotectonics 
and environmental factors as set forth by the NRC must be 
adhered to. These are contained in the NRC documents, 
Appendix A, 10 CFR, Part 100 and Appendices A and B, 10 CFR 
Part 51. Appendix A 10 CFR, Part 100 addresses safety as- 
pects associated with seismic and geologic criteria, while 
Part 51 addresses the environmental concerns. In addition, 
the NRC has published Regulatory Guides and "Standard For- 
mats," listing concerns to be addressed and suggesting the 
minimum data base to be acquired to mitigate those concerns. 
Remote sensing, although not yet mandated by law, has in 
effect become mandated by practice, in the U.S., and is 
mentioned in the guides as an appropriate source of data 
in qualifying sites. 
Remote Sensing 
Remote sensing may be defined as the measurement or 
acquisition of information about some property of an object 
or phenomenon by recording energy from one or more segments 
of the electromagnetic spectrum. The "sensing" is "remote" 
because the recording device is not in physical contact 
with the object or phenomenon under study. The sensing de- 
vices include cameras, lasers, infrared and ultraviolet 
detectors, microwave receivers, radar systems, multispectral 
Scanners, etc. These devices are carried on various plat- 
forms principally satellites and aircraft. 
The Landsat satellite employs a multispectral scanner that 
records the intensity of reflected light from the ground 
below in 4 spectral regions or bands of the electromagnetic 
Spectrum. Two of the bands are in the visable region and 
two are in the non-visible near infrared region of the 
spectrum. If the satellite is in line of sight of a ground 
station it telemeters the data directly to the station, 
otherwise it is stored on magnetic tape for subsequent 
transmission. Either a photographic image or a computer 
compatible magnetic tape can be generated from the telemetered 
copy of the data. Each scene or frame recorded covers an 
area of 115 x 115 miles or % 13,000 square miles.