75 
DIGITAL TECHNIQUES FOR THE INTEGRATION 
AND DISPLAY OF MULTISOURCE DATA 
H. P. Foote, G. E. Wukelic and S. C. Blair 
Pacific Northwest Laboratory 
Richland, WA 99352 
ABSTRACT 
The Pacific Northwest Laboratory has been conducting basic 
research to develop and apply new digital techniques for 
processing and integrating remote sensing and geoscience 
data for energy-related applications. Example data sets 
include topography, surficial geology, gravity, magnetics, 
etc. This research has produced and tested extensive 
software for combining data from various sources to pre 
pare a variety of unique computer-generated graphics 
(maps and displays). This paper describes the basic 
methodology involved in multisource data registration, 
integration, and display functions. Specifically, methods 
found most useful for handling image (photographs and 
maps) and non-image point-source, line, and numerical 
data formats are discussed in relation to raster vs. 
vector-polygon processing considerations. Types of multi 
source data products (discipline and user-tailored) that 
have been computer generated and utilized are enumerated. 
Moreover, options for digitally combining or overlaying 
various data bases on a common format to generate new 
user products are discussed and examples presented. The 
latter includes a variety of display options, such as 
shaded contour and stereo. A brief description of basic 
hardware requirements is also provided. 
INTRODUCTION 
The Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is a Department of 
Energy research facility in Richland, Washington. PNL is 
managed and operated by Battelle Memorial Institute. 
Within PNL, the Geosciences and Engineering Department 
computer facility has been established to perform complex 
modeling, image processing and data integration functions 
for various hydrologic, geologic and geophysical investi 
gations supporting ongoing energy research and technology 
programs. Due to the complexity, specialized nature and 
rather extensive areas of investigation, all developed 
computer codes are structured for interactive, graphics- 
oriented computation and presentation. This user-inter 
active approach begins with data base development and 
review, includes computational and interpretational anal 
yses and ends with the final product in a variety of 
hardcopy formats. These graphics techniques have become 
an integral part of research and modeling efforts applied 
to siting energy generating facilities, characterizing 
hazardous waste repository sites, exploring for energy 
resources and monitoring regional water and land-use 
dynamics (Foote 1981, Blair 1982, and Wukelic 1982). 
Extensive use of such techniques over the last few years