A new edge recognition technology based on the normalized vertical derivative of the total horizontal derivative for potential field data

Edge detection and enhancement techniques are commonly used in recognizing the edge of geologic bodies using potential field data. We present a new edge recognition technology based on the normalized vertical derivative of the total horizontal derivative which has the functions of both edge detection and enhancement techniques. First, we calculate the total horizontal derivative (THDR) of the potential-field data and then compute the n-order vertical derivative (VDRn) of the THDR. For the n-order vertical derivative, the peak value of total horizontal derivative (PTHDR) is obtained using a threshold value greater than 0. This PTHDR can be used for edge detection. Second, the PTHDR value is divided by the total horizontal derivative and normalized by the maximum value. Finally, we used different kinds of numerical models to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the new edge recognition technology.