Approach to the automated identification of forests and forest change in remotely sensed images

The aim of the research described in this paper has been to develop change detection algorithms which would be suitable for an operational map update system. Two algorithms have been developed, one based on edge matching and another on object analysis. These algorithms have been tested on thematic mapper imagery, using ordnance survey (OS) and forestry commission (FC) digitized maps. When possible, knowledge of forest practice has been used to augment the results. Results indicate that, with minimal user interaction, major areas of change can be determined. Increasing user intervention can reduce algorithm complexity and processing time, at the expense of automation.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.