Assignment 12: Image Classification

Problem:
For this assignment our problem was to classify six different land types using an aerial photo of the Black Water National Wildlife Refuge. This process would allow for the refuge managers to get data for land management. Using the aerial photo we can classify the 6 types of land and allow for easy calculation of total area of each type and show where all land types are located within the refuge.

Analysis Procedures:
Strategies: Using ArcMap and the aerial image given by the wildlife refuge we can set the color scheme to infrared using image properties allowing for easier classification. Next we can use the Image Classification toolbar in ArcMap to select polygons of each of the six types of land types and run the Interactive Supervised Classification tool to get a raster image of the photo broken down into color blocks for each of the six types of land types. Methods: First we change the image from true color to Infrared by changing the band colors in the image properties. Next we use the Image Classification toolbar to select polygons for each land type. In the Training Sample Manager we can merge each selection into one of the six types. After getting enough polygons to represent the different land types we can run the Supervised Image Classification tool to classify each raster cell as a land type. The result is an image that gives a distinct class to each represented land type.

Load image into ArcMap.

Change Band colors from true color to Infrared

Use Image classification toolbar to select polygons for each of the six land types.

Run the Supervised Image classification Tool.

Compare result raster image to the original to check the accuracy of the results.

Rerun the process by adding more polygons of each land type to sharpen the image.

Results:
Below is a picture of the sample polygons used to classify the different types of land in the picture.

Next is the map of my image classification of the infrared changed to show only the six types of land classes available.

Application & Reflection:

The Image Classification tool allows the user to reclassify any image how they see fit. This could allow for a photo of an area to be changed into a classed image that distinguishes between developed and undeveloped land in a county or State. This process can give quick results for specific land use questions. Using the area calculations off of the GRID file can also add a layer of analysis for use by zoning officials or real estate developers.

Problem Description: With only a aerial photo of a country, a the military would like to do reconnaissance work to find out what type of development the nation in question is doing with their land. Data Needed: An aerial infrared photo of a developing nation and some general knowledge of the type of geography found in this country. Analysis Procedure: Armed with the aerial photo of the landscape military intelligence can quickly identify the types of development land uses shown in the photo. Using their general knowledge of known land uses they can quickly use the Image classification toolbar to start making sample polygons on the known land types and run the Interactive Supervised Classification tool to quickly establish the terrain of the country they are looking at.