Geological structures often have characteristic forms which, if located near the Earth's surface, may be manifested topographically as the side-looking configuration of radar highlights relief.

RADARSAT beam mode - All beam modes are suitable for geological structure mapping. The final beam mode selection is dependent on the areal coverage and level of detail required. Generally, Fine and Standard beam modes are best suited for detailed geological structure mapping, while Wide and ScanSAR are better for basin-wide geological structure mapping.

RADARSAT incidence angle - Steep incidence angles are ideal for enhancing subtle terrain features through shadowing. In areas of high relief, to much shadowing may occur with shallow incidence angles and therefore, intermediate incidence angles may be more suitable.

Look direction - Orientation of geological structures relative to look direction should be considered.

When to acquire RADARSAT data - Acquire data when geological structure information is required, regardless of seasons. Avoid periods of heavy snowcover.