Object-based Image Analysis

With the availability of high-resolution satellite imagery, the use of remote sensing data has become very important for the verification of the nuclear safeguards agreement between a NPT Member State and the IAEA. Items and activities which can be monitored within nuclear facilities are, for instance, construction of buildings, plant expansion, changes of the operational status, and planning of underground activities.

When applied to high-resolution imagery, traditional pixel-based image algorithms often yield limited results. Especially, if small structural objects are to be detected, object-based procedures are more appropriate. In comparison to solely spectral features applied within pixel-based approaches, utilization of object features, such as size or orientation of objects, their shape or texture and the relations between the objects in different scales, considerably extends the possibilities of image analysis.

Analyzing satellite image data in an object-based method also offers the possibility to involve specific knowledge in the image classification or recognition process. This specific knowledge is here given through the “interpretation key”, presented in the previous chapters. This part deals with the computerbased interpretation of satellite and aerial images. Thereby the applicability of the “key” in the computer-based process is investigated.