A Rule-based Urban Image Classification System for Time Series Landsat Data

This study presents a rule-based urban image classification method for time series analysis of changes in the vicinity of Asan-si and Cheonan-si in Chungcheongnam-do, using Landsat satellite images (1991-2006). The area has been highly developed through the relocation of industrial facilities, land development, construction of a high-speed railroad, and an extension of the subway. To determine the yearly changing pattern of the urban area, eleven classes were made depending on the trend of development. An algorithm was generalized for the rules to be applied as an unsupervised classification, without the need of training area. The analysis results show that the urban zone of the research area has increased by about 1.53 times, and each correlation graph confirmed the distribution of the Built Up Index (BUI) values for each class. To evaluate the rule-based classification, coverage and accuracy were assessed. When Optimal allowable factor=0.36, the coverage of the rule was 98.4%, and for the test using ground data from 1991 to 2006, overall accuracy was 99.49%. It was confirmed that the method suggested to determine the maximum allowable factor correlates to the accuracy test results using ground data. Among the multiple images, available data was used as best as possible and classification accuracy could be improved since optimal classification to suit objectives was possible. The rule-based urban image classification method is expected to be applied to time series image analyses such as thematic mapping for urban development, urban development, and monitoring of environmental changes.