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Change Detection

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Encyclopedia of GIS

Synonyms

Detection of changes; Digital change detection methods; Land cover change detection

Definition

Change Detection can be defined as the process of identifying differences in the state of an object or phenomenon by observing it at different times [1]. This process is usually applied to earth surface changes at two or more times. The primary source of data is geographic and is usually in digital format (e. g., satellite imagery), analog format (e. g., aerial photos), or vector format (e. g., feature maps). Ancillary data (e. g., historical, economic, etc.) can also be used.

Historical Background

Change detection history starts with the history of remote sensing and especially the first aerial photography taken in 1859 by Gaspard Felix Tournachon, also known as Nadar. Thereafter, the development of change detection is closely associated with military technology during world wars I and II and the strategic advantage provided by temporal information acquired by remote sensing....

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Recommended Reading

  1. Singh, A.: Digital change detection techniques using remotely‐sensed data. Int. J. Remote Sens. 10(6), 989–1003 (1989)

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  4. Lu, D., Mausel, P., Brondízios, E., Moran, E.: Change detection techniques. Int. J. Remote Sens. 25(12), 2365–2407 (2004)

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  7. Diversitas – Integrating biodiversity science for human well-being. http://www.diversitas-international.org/. Accessed November 2006

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  9. Global Change Master Directory. http://gcmd.nasa.gov/index.html. Accessed November 2006

  10. IGBP – International Geosphere‐Biosphere Programme. http://www.igbp.net/. Accessed November 2006

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  12. WCRP – World Climate Research Programme. http://wcrp.wmo.int/. Accessed November 2006

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. GIS Training and Research Center, Idaho State University, Pocatello Idaho, ID, USA

    Jérôme Théau

Authors
  1. Jérôme Théau
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Shashi Shekhar (McKnight Distinguished University Professor) (McKnight Distinguished University Professor)

  2. Management Science and Information Systems Department, Rutgers Business School Newark and New Brunswick Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA

    Hui Xiong (Assistant Professor) (Assistant Professor)

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© 2008 Springer-Verlag

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Théau, J. (2008). Change Detection. In: Shekhar, S., Xiong, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of GIS. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35973-1_129

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