Linear Feature Extraction from Satellite Imagery using Discontinuity-Based Segmentation Algorithm

This paper addresses the approach to extract linear features from satellite imagery using an efficient segmentation method. The extraction of linear features from satellite images has been the main concern of many scientists. There is a need to develop a more capable and cost effective method for the Iranian map revision tasks. The conventional approaches for producing, maintaining, and updating GIS map are time consuming and costly process. Hence, this research is intended to investigate how to obtain linear features from SPOT satellite imagery. This was accomplished using a discontinuity-based segmentation technique that encompasses four stages: low level bottom-up, middle level bottom-up, edge thinning and accuracy assessment. The first step is geometric correction and noise removal using suitable operator. The second step includes choosing the appropriate edge detection method, finding its proper threshold and designing the built-up image. The next step is implementing edge thinning method using mathematical morphology technique. Lastly, the geometric accuracy assessment task for feature extraction as well as an assessment for the built-up result has been carried out. Overall, this approach has been applied successfully for linear feature extraction from SPOT image.