Object-based classification with features extracted by a semi-automatic feature extraction algorithm – SEaTH

Object-based image analysis (OBIA) uses object features (or attributes) that relateto the pixels contained by the image object to assist in image classification. These object features include spectral, shape, texture and context features. With hundreds of available features, the identification of those that can improve separability between classes is critical for OBIA. The Separability and Thresholds (SEaTH) algorithm calculates the SEaTH of object–classes for the given features. The SEaTH algorithm avoids time-consuming trial-and-error practice for seeking important features and thresholds. This article tests the SEaTH algorithm on Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) imagery in a heterogeneous landscape with multiple land cover classes. The results suggest SEaTH is a strong alternative to other automated approaches, yielding an agreement of 79% with reference data. In comparison, an object-based nearest neighbour classifier yielded 66% agreement and a pixel-based maximum likelihood classifier yielded 69% agreement.     

Accuracy test of point-based and object-based urban building feature classification and extraction applying airborne LiDAR data

Point-based and object-based building extractions were conducted in airborne LiDAR data in a sample area of Buffalo, New York. First, the earth surface points were filtered from the entire laser scan data set using a new filtering algorithm, which combines the TIN slope modelling and statistical analysis. The off-ground points were extracted for buildings in the study area using both point cluster analysis and object-oriented classifications. The accuracies of both approaches were tested using the digitised ground truth. The outcomes of accuracy testing of the point-based method are correctness: 88.74%, completeness: 92.67% and quality: 83.50%. The results of the accuracy of object-based building extraction are correctness: 87.21%, completeness: 60.14%, and quality: 55.26%. Reconstructions of 3D building models based on the extracted building points were performed. This study contributes scientific and technological knowledge for researchers in developing more effective methods in converting the LiDAR survey to a 3D GIS database.     

Parameter evaluation and optimization for multi-resolution segmentation in object-based shadow detection using very high resolution imagery

Object-based shadow detection in urban areas is an important topic in very high resolution remote sensing image processing. Multi-resolution segmentation (MRS) is an effective segmentation method, and is used for object-based shadow detection. However, several input parameters within MRS may result in unstable performance for final shadow detection; thus, the evaluation and optimization for the parameters upon the final shadow detection accuracy cannot be overlooked. In this paper, the three parameters in MRS (scale s, weight of colour w_color and weight of compactness w_compact) upon the final result of a recently proposed method, object-based shadow detection with Dempster–Shafer theory, were evaluated and optimized by sensitivity analysis and Taguchi’s method with three experimental data. Experiments show that scale s is the most sensitive parameter among the three parameters within MRS. More importantly, according to the Taguchi’s method theory, there is a very significant interaction effect between s and w_color, which cannot be overlooked. The shadow detection accuracy yielded by the optimum parameter combination in consideration of the interaction effect is higher than that only optimized by covering the main effect of single parameter in most cases.     

A GEOBIA framework for the implementation of national and international forest definitions using very high spatial resolution optical satellite data

In recent decades, there is an increasing need for harmonised and accurate information on the status and extent of forests. However, delineating the extent of forest areas is a complex task, since the existence of more than 100 definitions of forest worldwide causes considerable discrepancies in forested area estimates. The aim of this work was to examine the potential of geographic object based image analysis (GEOBIA) and very high spatial resolution imagery to discriminate forest areas following two different definitions of forest in northern Greece. In particular, we examined the definition of forest under the Greek law as well as the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation definition. Our findings suggest that the developed GEOBIA approach not only performed remarkably well for the discrimination of forest areas but also allowed to estimate rapidly and reliably forest extents when the two aforementioned forest definitions were employed.     

An object-based approach for mapping forest structural types based on low-density LiDAR and multispectral imagery

Mapping forest structure variables provides important information for the estimation of forest biomass, carbon stocks, pasture suitability or for wildfire risk prevention and control. The optimization of the prediction models of these variables requires an adequate stratification of the forest landscape in order to create specific models for each structural type or strata. This paper aims to propose and validate the use of an object-oriented classification methodology based on low-density LiDAR data (0.5 m^?2) available at national level, WorldView-2 and Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery to categorize Mediterranean forests in generic structural types. After preprocessing the data sets, the area was segmented using a multiresolution algorithm, features describing 3D vertical structure were extracted from LiDAR data and spectral and texture features from satellite images. Objects were classified after feature selection in the following structural classes: grasslands, shrubs, forest (without shrubs), mixed forest (trees and shrubs) and dense young forest. Four classification algorithms (C4.5 decision trees, random forest, k-nearest neighbour and support vector machine) were evaluated using cross-validation techniques. The results show that the integration of low-density LiDAR and multispectral imagery provide a set of complementary features that improve the results (90.75% overall accuracy), and the object-oriented classification techniques are efficient for stratification of Mediterranean forest areas in structural- and fuel-related categories. Further work will be focused on the creation and validation of a different prediction model adapted to the various strata.     

基于谱空间统计特征的高分辨率影像分割尺度估计

多尺度分割是面向对象遥感影像分析的关键性基础步骤,影像分割过程中尺度参数的选择直接关系到面向对象影像分析的质量和精度。本文首先从理论层面将遥感影像分割的尺度界定为基于统计的原始影像全局或局部特征的一种定量化估计,并在算法层面上将多尺度分割算法的尺度参数概括为空间尺度分割参数（类别或斑块间的空间距离）、属性尺度分割参数（类别或斑块间的属性距离）和合并阈值参数（斑块大小或斑块像元数目）;接着,提出了基于谱空间统计的高分辨率影像分割尺度估计方法;最后,以均值漂移多尺度分割算法为例,采用高空间分辨率的Ikonos、Quickbird和航空影像数据,对本文提出的基于谱空间统计的高分辨率影像分割尺度估计方法进行了验证。结果表明,该方法在一定程度上不仅避免了高分辨率遥感影像分割尺度参数选择的主观性和盲目性,还提高了面向对象影像分析的自动化程度,具有可行性和有效性。     

基于对象存储的分布式GIS数据安全机制

根据OSD-2标准,提出一种安全机制来保证基于对象存储的分布式GIS空间数据的安全。在本安全机制中,采用的安全模型是基于信任状的访问控制系统,主要由OSD设备、安全管理器、策略/存储管理器和GIS服务器组成。该安全机制主要包含3个协议:GIS服务器-安全管理器协议、安全管理器-OSD设备协议和GIS服务器-OSD设备协议。命令的传输和数据的访问都要进行认证。这3个协议有效预防了各种网络攻击手段的攻击,保证了分布式GIS空间数据的安全共享。     

Area-based and location-based validation of classified image objects

Geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) produces results that have both thematic and geometric properties. Classified objects not only belong to particular classes but also have spatial properties such as location and shape. Therefore, any accuracy assessment where quantification of area is required must (but often does not) take into account both thematic and geometric properties of the classified objects. By using location-based and area-based measures to compare classified objects to corresponding reference objects, accuracy information for both thematic and geometric assessment is available. Our methods provide location-based and area-based measures with application to both a single-class feature detection and a multi-class object-based land cover analysis. In each case the classification was compared to a GIS layer of associated reference data using randomly selected sample areas. Error is able to be pin-pointed spatially on per-object, per class and per-sample area bases although there is no indication whether the errors exist in the classification product or the reference data. This work showcases the utility of the methods for assessing the accuracy of GEOBIA derived classifications provided the reference data is accurate and of comparable scale.     

A new geospatial overlay method for the analysis and visualization of spatial change patterns using object-oriented data modeling concepts

Traditional geographic information system (GIS)-overlay routines usually build on relatively simple data models. Topology is – if at all – calculated on the fly for very specific tasks only. If, for example, a change comparison is conducted between two or more polygon layers, the result leads mostly to a complete and also very complex from–to class intersection. A lot of additional processing steps need to be performed to arrive at aggregated and meaningful results. To overcome this problem a new, automated geospatial overlay method in a topologically enabled (multi-scale) framework is presented. The implementation works with polygon and raster layers and uses a multi-scale vector/raster data model developed in the object-based image analysis software eCognition (Trimble Geospatial Imaging, Munich, Germany). Advantages are the use of the software inherent topological relationships in an object-by-object comparison, addressing some of the basic concepts of object-oriented data modeling such as classification, generalization, and aggregation. Results can easily be aggregated to a change-detection layer; change dependencies and the definition of different change classes are interactively possible through the use of a class hierarchy and its inheritance (parent–child class relationships). Implementation is exemplarily shown for a change comparison of CORINE Land Cover data sets. The result is a flexible and transferable solution which is – if parameterized once – fully automated.     

高分辨率遥感影像5种面向对象分类方法对比研究

针对主流的面向对象分类方法在遥感影像处理中的使用范围不明确的问题,以e-Cognition软件平台为基础,处理标准数据集,综合考虑视觉效果、总体精度和用户精度3方面,系统地比较分析了主流的面向对象分类方法在高分辨率影像中的分类效果和精度分析。试验结果表明：使用不同的分类方法均存在混分现象且混分对象不完全一样。在处理同一标准数据集时,隶属度函数分类方法的精度最高但分类速度最慢,Bayes的分类效果最差但操作简单,支持向量机（SVM）、决策树（DT）、随机森林（RF）的分类速度均较快且都有较高的精度,其中SVM分类方法在区分相似性高的对象方面具有明显优势。在选择高分影像分类方法时,要充分考虑分类影像的特征选择从而选择合适的分类方法。