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A Tool Assessing Optimal Multi-Scale Image Segmentation

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Abstract

Image segmentation to create representative objects by region growing image segmentation techniques such as multi resolution segmentation (MRS) is mostly done through interactive selection of scale parameters and is still a subject of great research interest in object-based image analysis. In this study, we developed an optimum scale parameter selector (OSPS) tool for objective determination of multiple optimal scales in an image by MRS using eCognition software. The ready to use OSPS tool consists of three modules and determines optimum scales in an image by combining intrasegment variance and intersegment spatial autocorrelation. The tool was tested using WorldView-2 and Resourcesat-2 LISS-IV Mx images having different spectral and spatial resolutions in two areas to find optimal objects for ground features such as water bodies, trees, buildings, road, agricultural fields and landslides. Quality of the objects created for these features using scale parameters obtained from the OSPS tool was evaluated quantitatively using segmentation goodness metrics. Results show that OSPS tool is able determine optimum scale parameters for creation of representative objects from high resolution satellite images by MRS method.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. V. K. Dadhwal, Director, NRSC and Dr. P. G. Diwakar, Deputy Director, Remote Sensing and GIS Applications Area, NRSC for their encouragement for this work. The first and second authors (AMV and PK) are grateful to Dr. P. Jagadeeshwara Rao, HoD, Department of Geo-Engineering at AUCE (A), Visakhapatnam, Dr. T. Anasuya, Head, Academic Interface, PPEG, NRSC and Mr. J. Vidya Sagar, Research Scientist, NDEM for their active support in carrying out the project work at NRSC, Hyderabad.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geo-Engineering, Andhra University College of Engineering (A), Visakhapatnam, 530 003, India

    A. Mohan Vamsee, P. Kamala, G. Jai sankar & E. Amminedu

  2. Geosciences Group, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Hyderabad, 500 037, India

    Tapas R. Martha & K. Vinod Kumar

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  1. A. Mohan Vamsee
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  2. P. Kamala
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  3. Tapas R. Martha
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  4. K. Vinod Kumar
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  5. G. Jai sankar
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  6. E. Amminedu
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Correspondence to Tapas R. Martha.

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Mohan Vamsee, A., Kamala, P., Martha, T.R. et al. A Tool Assessing Optimal Multi-Scale Image Segmentation. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 46, 31–41 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-017-0685-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-017-0685-7

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