Developing collaborative classifiers using an expert-based model

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
By: , and 

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Abstract

This paper presents a hierarchical, multi-stage adaptive strategy for image classification. We iteratively apply various classification methods (e.g., decision trees, neural networks), identify regions of parametric and geographic space where accuracy is low, and in these regions, test and apply alternate methods repeating the process until the entire image is classified. Currently, classifiers are evaluated through human input using an expert-based system; therefore, this paper acts as the proof of concept for collaborative classifiers. Because we decompose the problem into smaller, more manageable sub-tasks, our classification exhibits increased flexibility compared to existing methods since classification methods are tailored to the idiosyncrasies of specific regions. A major benefit of our approach is its scalability and collaborative support since selected low-accuracy classifiers can be easily replaced with others without affecting classification accuracy in high accuracy areas. At each stage, we develop spatially explicit accuracy metrics that provide straightforward assessment of results by non-experts and point to areas that need algorithmic improvement or ancillary data. Our approach is demonstrated in the task of detecting impervious surface areas, an important indicator for human-induced alterations to the environment, using a 2001 Landsat scene from Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Developing collaborative classifiers using an expert-based model
Series title Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
DOI 10.14358/PERS.75.7.831
Volume 75
Issue 7
Year Published 2009
Language English
Publisher American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Description 13 p.
First page 831
Last page 843
Country United States
State Nevada
City Las Vegas
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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