Land-cover classification of high-resolution remote sensing image based on multi-classifier fusion and the improved Dempster–Shafer evidence theory

Abstract

The use of the single machine learning classifier for high-resolution remote sensing (RS) image classification makes it difficult to improve the accuracy of classification results. To fully utilize the advantages of different classifiers for different types of ground objects, based on the Dempster–Shafer (DS) evidence theory, we propose a multi-classifier fusion method for classification of high-resolution RS images. Six machine learning classifiers: support vector machines, k-nearest neighbor, random forest, artificial neural network, classification and regression tree, and the C5.0 decision tree were selected for application in the fusion of multiple classifiers. We calculated a classifier difference index based on the accuracy and difference of the classification results of the base classifiers. Base classifiers with large differences were selected to perform integration based on the DS evidence theory. We also improved the classical DS evidence theory. First, based on the classification validity of the base classifier for different ground objects, the classification probability value of the base classifier for different samples was weight optimized. Then different fusion methods were selected according to the classification conflict coefficients between base classifiers. The results reveal that the overall accuracy and kappa coefficients of the fusion classifier are significantly better than those of the base classifier. The producer’s accuracy and user’s accuracy of the fusion results based on the improved DS evidence theory were higher than those of the fusion results based on the classical DS evidence theory.