Multitemporal ERS-1 SAR data for crop classification: a sequential-masking approach

• Based on photo-interpretation procedures, the technique of sequential masking can be used to differentiate image features using a series of multitemporal images. In this study, a set of nine ERS-1 SAR images is analyzed using this technique to determine the earliest dates for identifying different crop types in an agricultural area of southern Ontario, Canada. SAR temporal backscatter profiles of crops were generated from calibrated radar imagery. Based on these temporal backscatter profiles, per-field classifications using the sequential-masking technique were performed on the early- and mid-season multitemporal SAR data. It was found that using only three images, acquired on May 31, June 16 and July 5, it is possible to differentiate winter wheat, alfalfa/hay, barley/oats, soybeans and corn with an overall validation accuracy of 88.5% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.85.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Fjärranalysteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Remote Sensing (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)