The use of logistic model tree (LMT) for pixel- and object-based classifications using high-resolution WorldView-2 imagery

Abstract

Logistic model tree (LMT), a new method integrating standard decision tree (DT) induction and linear logistic regression algorithm in a single tree, have been recently proposed as an alternative to DT-based learning algorithms. In this study, the LMT was applied in the context of pixel- and object-based classifications using high-resolution WorldView-2 imagery, and its performance was compared with C4.5, random forest and Adaboost. Results of the study showed that the LMT generally produced more accurate classification results than the other methods for both pixel- and object-based classifications. The improvement in classification accuracy reached to 3% in pixel-based and 5% in object-based classifications. It was also estimated that the LMT algorithm produced the most accurate results considering the allocation and overall disagreement errors. Based on the Wilcoxon’s Signed-Ranks tests, the performance differences between the LMT and the other methods were statistically significant for both pixel- and object-based image classifications.