Aerial Photos to Locate Granular Fill Material

The purpose of this investigation is to describe and demonstrate the reliability of using aerial photographic interpretation as one of the fastest and most economical methods of locating granular materials. The investigation covers the identification features of granular deposits and a list of different types of granular landforms. Aerial and ground photographs show the features described. Examples are given to demonstrate the procedures used by the Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, in locating granular fill material from aerial photographs for several construction projects. Seven pilot projects, which can be extrapolated to other areas, were selected from aerial photographs as potential sources of granular material. A 2-day field exploration showed that six sites contained gravel suitable for use in grilled rolled base courses.