Why MFT, OFT and WFT should not be called hyperspectral technologies
- Geoffrey Wade
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
A common—but important—classification error
When people first learn that Mineral Finder Technology (MFT), Oil & Gas Finder Technology (OFT) and Water Finder Technology (WFT) uses satellite-derived spectral information, they sometimes assume that MFT, OFT and WFT are forms of hyperspectral imaging.
That conclusion is understandable, but it is technically incomplete.
Multispectral and hyperspectral describe how remote-sensing instruments sample electromagnetic information across different wavelength regions. They are categories of sensors and data—not complete exploration methodologies.
CTAC OFT LLC’s (CTAC) MFT, OFT and WFT are broader, target-specific exploration systems. Selected multispectral and other remotely acquired information may be used as inputs, but the source data alone does not constitute the technology. It is subsequently subjected to proprietary processing, electromagnetic reconstruction, target-frequency resonance analysis and, where commissioned, field and depth investigation.
Understanding this distinction is important because it changes the question from:
“How many spectral bands does the system use?” to:
“How does the complete methodology help answer the exploration decision in front of us?”
What multispectral and hyperspectral actually mean
Both multispectral and hyperspectral sensors measure electromagnetic radiation within defined wavelength regions.
The primary difference is the way the spectrum is sampled.
Multispectral remote sensing
A multispectral sensor records a selected number of discrete wavelength bands. Those bands are chosen for particular observational or analytical purposes.
Depending on the instrument, these observations may include selected ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, short-wave infrared or thermal-infrared regions.
Multispectral data is widely used for applications such as regional screening, surface classification, lithological context, alteration proxies, vegetation analysis, moisture assessment and environmental monitoring.
Its strength lies in focused and efficient analysis where the relevant wavelength regions and analytical purpose are understood.
Hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy
A hyperspectral instrument collects information across tens or hundreds of narrow, usually closely spaced or contiguous bands.
This can provide an approximate spectrum for each image pixel and help distinguish subtle spectral differences between exposed materials.
Hyperspectral imaging can therefore be highly valuable for detailed mapping of exposed mineral assemblages, alteration systems, vegetation and water constituents within the wavelength range of the instrument.
However, hyperspectral imagery does not create a direct image of a deeply buried orebody, petroleum reservoir or aquifer through thick rock or cover. It principally measures surface materials or signals expressed at the surface.
More bands do not automatically produce a better exploration answer
It is tempting to regard hyperspectral data as superior simply because it contains more bands and greater spectral detail.
But more data is not automatically more relevant data.
The suitability of any remote-sensing source depends on several factors, including:
the exploration target;
the wavelength range covered;
spatial, spectral, temporal and radiometric resolution;
atmospheric and environmental conditions;
data quality and availability;
calibration and repeatability; and
the analytical methodology applied.
A hyperspectral instrument may provide superior discrimination between certain exposed materials. A targeted multispectral approach may provide stronger signal-to-noise performance, broader coverage, more frequent observation or greater efficiency for a defined analytical task.
The right data source is therefore the one that best supports the specific exploration objective—not necessarily the one that produces the largest dataset.
Where CTAC’s technologies differ
CTAC’s MFT, OFT and WFT should not be placed in the same category as conventional satellite-image classification or hyperspectral surface-mineral mapping.
The difference is categorical.
Multispectral and hyperspectral describe sensor and data architectures.
MFT, OFT and WFT describe end-to-end exploration methodologies.
Within MFT, OFT and WFT's remote phase, project-specific information is selected, quality-controlled, transformed, reconstructed, interrogated and converted into exploration intelligence. The detailed methodology remains confidential intellectual property.
At a high level, the process involves:
defining the exploration target and the decision the project must support;
selecting relevant source information and observation periods;
applying multi-temporal quality control;
processing and integrating the selected information within CTAC’s proprietary analytical platform;
reconstructing and interrogating target responses at relevant resonance frequencies; and
converting the resulting spatial relationships and response intensities into maps, ranked anomalies and recommendations for the next exploration stage.
The satellite-derived information is therefore an input to the technology. It is not, by itself, the MFT, OFT and WFT system, and the final output is not simply a coloured satellite image purporting to show an underground target.
Multispectral is one component of a wider scientific process
Depending on the project and commissioned scope, CTAC may progressively add field mapping, depth-oriented resonance investigation, integrated modelling and reporting.
The wider process may include:
Remote Phase 1
Target-specific reconnaissance, anomaly identification and ranking across the defined project area.
FSPEF field mapping
Higher-density field investigation to refine the plan-view boundaries and spatial definition of selected target zones.
VERS depth investigation
Vertical resonance soundings at selected locations and, where commissioned, along cross-section lines to support depth-oriented interpretation.
Integration and reporting
Combining CTAC’s remote and field results with available client geology and other relevant datasets to support prioritisation and staged next-step decisions.
This broader process can be applied to different exploration objectives:
MFT — Mineral Finder Technology: mineral-specific response mapping, target ranking, field delineation and depth-oriented investigation.
OFT — Oil & Gas Finder Technology: hydrocarbon-related response screening and ranking, with fluid- and depth-oriented investigation where included.
WFT — Water Finder Technology: groundwater-related response screening, aquifer targeting and depth-oriented investigation where included.
Calling the entire system “hyperspectral” collapses this broader sequence into the name of one possible category of source data.
Exploration intelligence—not a substitute for geology
MFT, OFT and WFT technologies are designed to provide front-end exploration intelligence.
Their value lies in helping project owners and technical teams improve the quality and sequence of decisions before substantial capital is committed to field programmes, conventional geophysics, drilling or development.
The outputs are intended to help clients:
Screen
Assess large or complex areas for target-specific responses.
Rank
Compare relative anomalies and identify where closer attention may be warranted.
Focus
Direct fieldwork, geophysics, sampling and drilling towards more clearly prioritised areas.
Refine
Improve the understanding of target location, geometry and depth-related indications as the project progresses.
Decide
Determine whether to advance, expand, redesign, pause or discontinue further expenditure.
CTAC’s technologies do not replace drilling, sampling, assays, geological interpretation, resource or reserve estimation, feasibility studies, regulatory approvals or independent professional review.
They are designed to complement those activities by helping clients determine where technical effort and capital should be focused next.
A remote and non-invasive starting point
MFT, OFT and WFT's initial Phase 1 is undertaken remotely using project-specific source information selected from relevant parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Because the initial phase does not require physical access to or disturbance of the project area, it provides a practical starting point for screening and prioritisation.
The results can then be considered alongside the client’s geological knowledge, historical work and other exploration information.
Where the indications justify further investigation, the programme may progress into field refinement, depth investigation, additional conventional exploration or targeted drilling.
Where they do not, the client may avoid committing further capital to a lower-priority area.
Asking the right question
The most useful question is not:
“Which system collects the most bands?”
The better question is:
“Which methodology provides the most relevant and reliable intelligence for the exploration decision being made?”
MFT, OFT and WFT technologies are designed around that decision—not around maximising the number of bands in a source image.
A more accurate description is:
MFT, OFT and WFT use selected multispectral and other remotely acquired data as inputs to a proprietary, target-specific spectral and electromagnetic resonance exploration workflow. Depending on the project scope, the remote phase may be followed by higher-density field mapping, vertical resonance sounding, integrated modelling and staged exploration recommendations.
Looking beyond the label
Classifying CTAC's MFT, OFT and WFT as a hyperspectral technology may appear to be a minor terminology issue.
It is not.
The label can cause technical teams to assess the technology as though it were conventional surface-material mapping, rather than examining the complete scientific workflow, the target-specific methodology and the exploration decisions the outputs are designed to support.
Multispectral and hyperspectral describe ways of collecting remote spectral information.
MFT, OFT and WFT describe how CTAC investigates a defined exploration question.
That is the distinction that matters.
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