Comparison of Pixel-Based and Object-Based Classification Methods in Determination of Wetland Coastline

Abstract

Tuz Lake and its surrounding lakes (Tersakan Lake, Duden Lake, Bolluk Lake, Esmekaya Lake, Kopek Lake, Akgol) are placed in the Central Anatolia region. These lakes maintain the ecosystem integrity and make a good habitat for numerous bird species, especially flamingos. The Duden Lake is located within the boundaries of the Tuz Lake Special Environmental Protection Area and was declared as a protected area in 1992. The surface and underground water around Kulu District of Konya feed the Duden Lake, which is tectonically formed through the Kulu Stream. The lake with the average area of 860 hectares is unfortunately in risk of extinction. Remote sensing has been the most useful tool to obtain spatial and temporal information about wetlands and it provides up-to-date, accurate, and cost-effective information. Remote sensing methods and applications are used quite effectively on wetlands. The traditional pixel-based classification method is applied to different satellite images in wetlands over many decades, and the usage of object-based classification method has started recently comparing to the pixel-based one. This study aimed to determine the coastline of the wetlands. Sentinel 2 satellite images, which provide free access and high spatial resolution, are used to observe the coastline of Duden Lake through the usage of pixel-based and object-based classification methods in all the seasons. The applicability of the methods in determination of shallow wetland coastline is studied and evaluated. The results of the pixel-based and the object-based classification images are compared by accuracy assessment.