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At least 181 records · Page 10

Canonical analysis for increased classification speed and channel selection

The quadratic form can be expressed as a monotonically increasing sum of squares when the inverse covariance matrix is represented in canonical form. This formulation has the advantage that, in testing a particular class hypothesis, computations can be discontinued when the partial sum exceeds the smallest value obtained for other classes already tested. A method for channel selection is presented which arranges the original input measurements in that order which minimizes the expected number of computations. The classification algorithm was tested on data from LARS Flight Line C1 and found to reduce the sum-of-products operations by a factor of 6.7 in comparison with the conventional approach. In effect, the accuracy of a twelve-channel classification was achieved using only that CPU time required for a conventional four-channel classification.

Eppler, W.↗

Data resolution versus forestry classification and modeling

This paper examines the effects on timber stand computer classification accuracies caused by changes in the resolution of remotely sensed multispectral data. This investigation is valuable, especially for determining optimal sensor and platform designs. Theoretical justification and experimental verification support the finding that classification accuracies for low resolution data could be better than the accuracies for data with higher resolution. The increase in accuracy is constructed as due to the reduction of scene inhomogeneity at lower resolution. The computer classification scheme was a maximum likelihood classifier.

Kan, E. P.↗

Forest Classification Accuracy as Influenced by Multispectral Scanner Spatial Resolution

The author has identified the following significant results. A supervised classification within two separate ground areas of the Sam Houston National Forest was carried out for two sq meters spatial resolution MSS data. Data were progressively coarsened to simulate five additional cases of spatial resolution ranging up to 64 sq meters. Similar processing and analysis of all spatial resolutions enabled evaluations of the effect of spatial resolution on classification accuracy for various levels of detail and the effects on area proportion estimation for very general forest features. For very coarse resolutions, a subset of spectral channels which simulated the proposed thematic mapper channels was used to study classification accuracy.

Nalepka, R. F.↗

The use of spatial characteristics for the improvement of multispectral classification of remotely sensed data

Two techniques for the classification of multispectral remotely sensed data - the image processing technique of texture features, which is modeled after the human visual system, and the ECHO (Extraction and Classification of Homogeneous Objects) numerical technique - are examined. These two spatial analysis techniques are compared using Landsat imagery of an area of Indiana as an example, and it is found that the numerical approach is superior in classification accuracy and more efficient computationally.

Wiersma, D. J.↗

Application of LANDSAT data to wetland study and land use classification in west Tennessee

The Obion-Forked Deer River Basin in northwest Tennessee is confronted with several acute land use problems which result in excessive erosion, sedimentation, pollution, and hydrologic runoff. LANDSAT data was applied to determine land use of selected watershed areas within the basin, with special emphasis on determining wetland boundaries. Densitometric analysis was performed to allow numerical classification of objects observed in the imagery on the basis of measurements of optical densities. Multispectral analysis of the LANDSAT imagery provided the capability of altering the color of the image presentation in order to enhance desired relationships. Manual mapping and classification techniques were performed in order to indicate a level of accuracy of the LANDSAT data as compared with high and low altitude photography for land use classification.

Jones, N. L.↗

The influence of multispectral scanner spatial resolution on forest feature classification

Inappropriate spatial resolution and corresponding data processing techniques may be major causes for non-optimal forest classification results frequently achieved from multispectral scanner (MSS) data. Procedures and results of empirical investigations are studied to determine the influence of MSS spatial resolution on the classification of forest features into levels of detail or hierarchies of information that might be appropriate for nationwide forest surveys and detailed in-place inventories. Two somewhat different, but related studies are presented. The first consisted of establishing classification accuracies for several hierarchies of features as spatial resolution was progressively coarsened from (2 meters) squared to (64 meters) squared. The second investigated the capabilities for specialized processing techniques to improve upon the results of conventional processing procedures for both coarse and fine resolution data.

Sadowski, F. G.↗

Analytical models and system topologies for remote multispectral data acquisition and classification

Simple analytical models are presented of the radiometric and statistical processes that are involved in multispectral data acquisition and classification. Also presented are basic system topologies which combine remote sensing with data classification. These models and topologies offer a preliminary but systematic step towards the use of computer simulations to analyze remote multispectral data acquisition and classification systems.

Huck, F. O.↗

Spectral feature classification and spatial pattern recognition

This paper introduces a spatial pattern recognition processing concept involving the use of spectral feature classification technology and coherent optical correlation. The concept defines a hybrid image processing system incorporating both digital and optical technology. The hybrid instrument provides simplified pseudopattern images as functions of pixel classification from information embedded within a real-scene image. These pseudoimages become simplified inputs to an optical correlator for use in a subsequent pattern identification decision useful in executing landmark pointing, tracking, or navigating functions. Real-time classification is proposed as a research tool for exploring ways to enhance input signal-to-noise ratio as an aid in improving optical correlation. The approach can be explored with developing technology, including a current NASA Langley Research Center technology plan that involves a series of related Shuttle-borne experiments. A first-planned experiment, Feature Identification and Location Experiment (FILE), is undergoing final ground testing, and is scheduled for flight on the NASA Shuttle (STS2/flight OSTA-1) in 1980. FILE will evaluate a technique for autonomously classifying earth features into the four categories: bare land; water; vegetation; and clouds, snow, or ice.

Sivertson, W. E., Jr.↗

On evaluating clustering procedures for use in classification

The problem of evaluating clustering algorithms and their respective computer programs for use in a preprocessing step for classification is addressed. In clustering for classification the probability of correct classification is suggested as the ultimate measure of accuracy on training data. A means of implementing this criterion and a measure of cluster purity are discussed. Examples are given. A procedure for cluster labeling that is based on cluster purity and sample size is presented.

Pore, M. D.↗

Evaluating LANDSAT wildland classification accuracies

Procedures to evaluate the accuracy of LANDSAT derived wildland cover classifications are described. The evaluation procedures include: (1) implementing a stratified random sample for obtaining unbiased verification data; (2) performing area by area comparisons between verification and LANDSAT data for both heterogeneous and homogeneous fields; (3) providing overall and individual classification accuracies with confidence limits; (4) displaying results within contingency tables for analysis of confusion between classes; and (5) quantifying the amount of information (bits/square kilometer) conveyed in the LANDSAT classification.

Toll, D. L.↗

Evaluation of several schemes for classification of remotely sensed data

Various numerical analysis schemes for the classification of remotely sensed data are evaluated with respect to their capabilities for crop identification. A per point Gaussian maximum likelihood classifier, per point sum-of-normal-densities classifier, per point linear classifier, per point Gaussian maximum likelihood decision tree classifier and a texture-sensitive per field Gaussian maximum likelihood classifier were applied to seven sets of Landsat MSS data on several crop types and regions. The results of the implementation of the classifiers indicate that, given a representative set of training statistics, the choice of classification algorithm of the differentiation of corn and soybeans from one another and from other crop types made relatively little difference in accuracy, whereas the use of a different training method affected the accuracy significantly. In addition, the linear classifier is found to be the easiest for the analyst to use and to cost least in computer time per classification.

Hixson, M.↗

A comparison of remote sensing techniques for Minnesota wetlands classification

A wetland classification study in a typically complex 650 sq km test site in east central Minnesota compared the time, cost and accuracy of manually interpreted 1:24,000 scale color infrared aerial photographs with digital analysis of Landsat data. The comparison was between the same general wetland and non-wetland classes; accuracy of both systems was evaluated with intensive ground verification. For the same general classes, the overall mapping accuracy was 96 percent for the aerial photo interpretation and 71 percent for Landsat double-date classification. Results with maximum likelihood and SECHO classifiers were the same, 71 percent, while mapping accuracy with a layered classifier was only 66 percent. Compared to a general geometric correction and a single-date data set, geographic position and classification accuracy improved when a precision geometric correction and a double-date data set were used. Landsat digital analysis was faster, 24 vs. 90 days, but photointerpretation was more economical at $0.15/hectare (including all costs of procurement, processing and analysis), compared with Landsat costs of $0.35/hectare (not including costs of data procurement, processing prior to delivery to user and related overhead).

Werth, L. F.↗

Waveband evaluation of proposed thematic mapper in forest cover classification

This study involved the evaluation of the characteristics of multispectral scanner data relative to forest cover type mapping, using NASA's NS-001 multispectral scanner to simulate the proposed Thematic Mapper (TM). The objectives were to determine: (1) the optimum number of wavebands to utilize in computer classifications of TM data; (2) which channel combinations provide the highest expected classification accuracy; and (3) the relative merit of each channel in the context of the cover classes examined. Transformed divergence was used as a measure of statistical distance between spectral class densities associated with each of twelve cover classes. The maximum overall mean pair-wise transformed divergence was used as the basis for evaluating all possible waveband combinations available for use in computer-assisted forest cover classifications.

Latty, R. S.↗

Context distribution estimation for contextual classification of multispectral image data

A classification algorithm incorporating contextual information in a general, statistical manner is presented. Methods are investigated for obtaining adequate estimates of the context distribution (a statistical characterization of context) upon which the classification algorithm depends. Finally, a method of estimating optimal algorithm parameters prior to performing preliminary classifications is explored.

Tilton, J. C.↗

Land cover classification for Puget Sound, 1974-1979

Digital analysis of LANDSAT data for land cover classification projects in the Puget Sound region is surveyed. Two early rural and urban land use classifications and their application are described. After acquisition of VICAR/IBIs software, another land use classification of the area was performed, and is described in more detail. Future applications are considered.

Eby, J. R.↗

Incorporating spatial context into statistical classification of multidimensional image data

Compound decision theory is employed to develop a general statistical model for classifying image data using spatial context. The classification algorithm developed from this model exploits the tendency of certain ground-cover classes to occur more frequently in some spatial contexts than in others. A key input to this contextural classifier is a quantitative characterization of this tendency: the context function. Several methods for estimating the context function are explored, and two complementary methods are recommended. The contextural classifier is shown to produce substantial improvements in classification accuracy compared to the accuracy produced by a non-contextural uniform-priors maximum likelihood classifier when these methods of estimating the context function are used. An approximate algorithm, which cuts computational requirements by over one-half, is presented. The search for an optimal implementation is furthered by an exploration of the relative merits of using spectral classes or information classes for classification and/or context function estimation.

Bauer, M. E.↗

A classification system for O-B2 stars based on the Si IV and C IV resonance lines

Low-dispersion ultraviolet spectra from Skylab Experiment S-019 are used to explore the variations of Si IV and C IV line strengths with temperature and luminosity. These considerations lead to a classification system in which the Si/C ratio is used to discriminate luminosity among the O stars and temperature among the O9-B2 stars of lower luminosity. Stars falling in these two regimes may be distinguished either by the presence of C IV emission or on the basis of C IV absorption strength. The log(Si IV/C IV) vs C IV diagram is proposed as a primary tool in such a classification system. The rapid variation in the Si IV/C IV ratio from less than 1/10 at O9 to greater than 10 at B1.5 for luminosity class III-V stars appears to be an especially useful criterion for the temperature classification of stars in this spectral range.

Henize, K. G.↗

Improved land use classification from Landsat and Seasat satellite imagery registered to a common map base

In the case of Landsat Multispectral Scanner System (MSS) data, ambiguities in spectral signature can arise in urban areas. A study was initiated in the belief that Seasat digital SAR could help provide the spectral separability needed for a more accurate urban land use classification. A description is presented of the results of land use classifications performed on Landsat and preprocessed Seasat imagery that were registered to a common map base. The process of registering imagery and training site boundary coordinates to a common map has been reported by Clark (1980). It is found that preprocessed Seasat imagery provides signatures for urban land uses which are spectrally separable from Landsat signatures. This development appears to significantly improve land use classifications in an urban setting for class 12 (Commercial and Services), class 13 (Industrial), and class 14 (Transportation, Communications, and Utilities).

Clark, J.↗