Step-Edge Detection Filters for the Interpretation of Potential Field Data

Edge detection is a useful tool in the interpretation of potential field data, and the existing edge detection filters are almost functions of first-order horizontal and vertical derivatives. We propose step-edge detection filters to improve the resolution of edge detection results, which use the functions of different-order derivatives to accomplish the edge detection task. We demonstrate the proposed filters on synthetic potential field data, and the results show that the new methods can recognize the edges of the sources more precisely and clearly. We also discuss the application effect of different step-edge detection filters. Lastly, we apply the proposed filters to real potential field data, and the recognized edges of the stratigraphic markers are more precise and clear.