Discussion of remote sensing image classification method based on evidence theory

Abstract

Remote sensing image is an important and complex problem. Conventional remote sensing image methods are mostly based on Bayes' subjective probability theory. Because there are many defects on solving uncertainty problem, new tendency is that mathematical theory of evidence is applied to remote sensing image classification. At first, this paper introduces differences between Dempster-Shafer's(D-S) evidence theory and Bayes' subjective probability theory in solving uncertainty problem, main definitions and algorithms of D-S evidence theory. Especially degree of belief, degree of plausibility and degree of support are the bridges that D-S evidence theory is used in other fields. It emphatically introduced Support function that D-S evidence theory is used on pattern recognition, and degree of support is applied to classification. We acquire degree of support surfaces according to large classes, such as urban land, farmland, forest land, and water, then use hard classification to gain initial result. If initial accuracy is unfitted to acquirement, do reclassification for degree of support surfaces of less than threshold until final result reaches satisfying accuracy. We conclude that main advantages of this method are that it can go on reclassification after and its accuracy is very high. This method has dependable theory, intensive application, easy operation and research potential.