A customized framework for regional classification of conifers using automated feature extraction

MethodsX
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Abstract

Pinyon and juniper expansion into sagebrush ecosystems is one of the major challenges facing land managers in the Great Basin. Effective pinyon and juniper treatment requires maps that accurately and precisely depict tree location and degree of woodland development so managers can target restoration efforts for early stages of pinyon and juniper expansion. However, available remotely sensed layers that cover a regional spatial extent lack the spatial resolution or accuracy to meet this need. Accuracy can be improved using object-based image analysis methods such as automated feature extraction, which has proven successful in accurately classifying land cover at the site-level but to date has yet to be applied to regional extents due to time and computational limitations. Using Feature Analyst™, we implement our framework with 1-m2 reference imagery provided by National Agricultural Imagery Program to classify conifers across Nevada and northeastern California. Our resulting binary conifer map has an overall accuracy of 86%. We discuss the advantages to accuracy and precision our framework provides compared to other classification methods

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A customized framework for regional classification of conifers using automated feature extraction
Series title MethodsX
DOI 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101379
Volume 8
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 101379, 16 p.
Country United States
State Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah
Other Geospatial the Great Basin
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