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Using mixed objects in the training of object-based image classifications

Costa, Hugo; Foody, Giles M.; Boyd, Doreen S.

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Authors

Hugo Costa

GILES FOODY giles.foody@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Geographical Information

DOREEN BOYD doreen.boyd@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Earth Observation



Abstract

Image classification for thematic mapping is a very common application in remote sensing, which is sometimes realized through object-based image analysis. In these analyses, it is common for some of the objects to be mixed in their class composition and thus violate the commonly made assumption of object purity that is implicit in a conventional object-based image analysis. Mixed objects can be a problem throughout a classification analysis, but are particularly challenging in the training stage as they can result in degraded training statistics and act to reduce mapping accuracy. In this paper the potential of using mixed objects in training object-based image classifications is evaluated. Remotely sensed data were submitted to a series of segmentation analyses from which a range of under- to over-segmented outputs were intentionally produced. Training objects were then selected from the segmentation outputs, resulting in training data sets that varied in terms of size (i.e. number of objects) and proportion of mixed objects. These training data sets were then used with an artificial neural network and a generalized linear model, which can accommodate objects of mixed composition, to produce a series of land cover maps. The use of training statistics estimated based on both pure and mixed objects often increased classification accuracy by around 25% when compared with accuracies obtained from the use of only pure objects in training. So rather than the mixed objects being a problem, they can be an asset in classification and facilitate land cover mapping from remote sensing. It is, therefore, desirable to recognize the nature of the objects and possibly accommodate mixed objects directly in training. The results obtained here may also have implications for the common practice of seeking an optimal segmentation output, and also act to challenge the widespread view that object-based classification is superior to pixel-based classification.

Citation

Costa, H., Foody, G. M., & Boyd, D. S. (2017). Using mixed objects in the training of object-based image classifications. Remote Sensing of Environment, 190, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2016.12.017

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 29, 2016
Online Publication Date Jan 4, 2017
Publication Date Mar 1, 2017
Deposit Date Jan 11, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Remote Sensing of Environment
Print ISSN 0034-4257
Electronic ISSN 1879-0704
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 190
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2016.12.017
Keywords OBIA; Mixed pixels; Under-segmentation; Over-segmentation; Scale parameter
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/842685
Publisher URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034425716304965

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