Object based image analysis in forestry change detection

Abstract

This paper presents methods for land cover change detection, using object based image analysis. Considering that huge area in Serbia is covered with forest, this study is of great value for tracking changes over time. The research involved collecting data. The data used in this study are optical remote sensing images taken by Landsat TM satellite and Landsat ETM+ satellite. These images were processed in order to classify four main land cover classes, namely: forest, agricultural, urban and water areas. The images are analyzed in terms of change detection. The results show the type and the place of land-use changes occurred in these main four classes during those years. Change analyses have been executed based on object image analysis, and results are given in raster and vector format. ©2010 IEEE.