Overview

The Texture Filter Maps Module, part of the Data Augmentation suite, generates spatial context from raster datasets by analyzing local texture around each pixel.

It derives four texture metrics (Contrast, Correlation, Energy, and Entropy) which describe how pixel values relate to their neighbours. These outputs focus on local variation and pattern differences rather than overall value trends.

The module is commonly applied to geophysical rasters and other datasets with uniform spatial coverage where texture carries geological significance.

Note: Access to Data Augmentation Modules is not available on all accounts. Contact your dedicated DORA contact to learn more.

What This Module Does

The Texture Filter Maps Module applies a subset of Haralick texture filters to an input raster using a moving window approach.

Texture is calculated from a gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), which measures how often pixel values occur together within a local neighbourhood. One input raster produces four output rasters, each representing a different texture property:

Contrast: Differences between neighbouring values
Correlation: Similarity between a pixel and its neighbours
Energy: Repetition or consistency in texture
Entropy: Randomness or disorder in the data

These outputs are used to describe spatial variation across the AOI and are typically included as input features in DORA.

Learn more about Texture Filter Maps in this overview article.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open Data Augmentation
- Once you've completed Step 3: Select Deposit Type, you can use the Data Augmentation Modules within an experiment.
- Click Data Augmentation in the top middle navigation bar:
Select Texture Filter Maps
- Click Texture Filter Maps, then Select.
Select a Grid Raster File
- Select the raster you want to process.
- This is typically a geophysical raster, such as magnetics.
Set the Resolution
- Set the output grid resolution.
- DORA displays the resolution of selected rasters to help you choose a matching size.
Clip Outliers (Optional)
- Toggle Clip Outlier on to remove extreme values and improve contrast.
- This can help when a small number of very high or low values dominate the colour range.
Apply Histogram Equalization (Optional)
- Toggle Histogram Equalization on to spread values across the colour range and improve contrast.
- This helps highlight subtle texture differences.
Generate Texture Filter Maps
- Click Generate to create the Texture Filter Maps.
Review the Output Maps
- Review the generated maps and compare patterns across outputs.
- Look for consistent texture variations rather than isolated or repetitive linear features.
Save or Export Result
- Rename the output rasters if needed.
- Click the outputs to select, then:
  - Export to download a .zip file of the rasters.
  - Add to Input Features to use the map in the current experiment.

Interpreting the Output

Each output map represents a different texture property derived from the same raster.

Consistent texture changes across the outputs may reflect differences in spatial structure, uniformity, or variability within the data. The maps are most useful when evaluated together rather than individually.

Repetitive straight or grid-like patterns are often artifacts from the original raster or gridding process rather than geological features. If artifacts dominate the output, adjusting the resolution or revisiting the source raster may improve results.