A simple model for PIFs extraction at digital change detection approach

The radiometric normalization using pseudo-invariant features (PIFs) is one of the best methods of image-based atmospheric correction. However, one of the main challenges of this approach is the correct selection of PIFs. So far many efforts have been made to automate radiometric correction using PIFs, although the capability of all these automated methods has been proven in various studies, their application requires intermediate to advanced statistical and computational knowledge and their application is beyond the reach of most conventional remote sensing users. Therefore, in this research, a straightforward simple method is proposed based on the definition of PIFs that automatically identifies these areas and uses them on a regression procedure for automatic normalization. The study area is Hara Protection Area (the Hara international wetland), which has sub-tropical climate and due to surface homogeneity of its mangrove forests can be used as a pilot for natural, and homogeneous ecosystems such as forested areas. To create an automatic PIFs extraction in this area, initially, we masked areas that should not be in the PIFs by applying some thresholds. At this stage, water, vegetation and mountainous areas were filtered. Then, the radiometric resolution of the two different sensor images was identical, and using the differential histogram shape of the two images, unvaried areas were extracted. To validate the accuracy of the proposed method, absolute radiometric correction using atmospheric and topographic correction (ATCOR), fast line-of-sight atmospheric analysis of hypercubes (FLAASH) and atmospheric correction (ATMOSC) methods, and relative radiometric correction using both empirical line calibration method and dark object subtraction method and automatic radiometric correction using QUick atmospheric correction (QUAC) and autonomous atmospheric correction (IMAGINE AAIC) were applied on the data. The output of all atmospheric correction methods and the proposed method was applied in the image algebra change detection in the form of a difference and with a threshold of twice the standard deviation from the mean to be checked by 219 points. The results of validation and qualitative studies of the histogram comparisons proved the proper functioning of the proposed method (κ greater than 0.8), and using cross tables, the performance of the proposed method is similar to that of the empirical line calibration method (more than 76%). Finally, a few unique features in the current research proposal, including simplicity, automation, negligible systematic error, the possibility of using in a biomarker degradation warning system, the independence on the type of sensor used, distinguish it from other radiometric correction methods.