Object-based classification of remote sensing data for change detection

In this paper, a change detection approach based on an object-based classification of remote sensing data is introduced. The approach classifies not single pixels but groups of pixels that represent already existing objects in a GIS database. The approach is based on a supervised maximum likelihood classification. The multispectral bands grouped by objects and very different measures that can be derived from multispectral bands represent the n-dimensional feature space for the classification. The training areas are derived automatically from the geographical information system (GIS) database. After an introduction into the general approach, different input channels for the classification are defined and discussed. The results of a test on two test areas are presented. Afterwards, further measures, which can improve the result of the classification and enable the distinction between more land-use classes than with the introduced approach, are presented. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.