Object-based classification of abandoned logging roads under heavy canopy using LiDAR

typical abandoned logging road
Authors:
Sherba J, Blesius L, Davis JD
Published
2014
Journal Title or Book Publisher
Remote Sensing
Publication type
Description

Abstract: LiDAR-derived slope models may be used to detect abandoned logging roads in steep forested terrain. An object-based classification approach of abandoned logging road detection was employed in this study. First, a slope model of the study site in Marin County, California was created from a LiDAR derived DEM. Multiresolution segmentation was applied to the slope model and road seed objects were iteratively grown into candidate objects. A road classification accuracy of 86% was achieved using this fully automated procedure and post processing increased this accuracy to 90%. In order to assess the sensitivity of the road classification to LiDAR ground point spacing, the LiDAR ground point cloud was repeatedly thinned by a fraction of 0.5 and the classification procedure was reapplied. The producer’s accuracy of the road classification declined from 79% with a ground point spacing of 0.91 to below 50% with a ground point spacing of 2, indicating the importance of high point density for accurate classification of abandoned logging roads.

Citation

Sherba, J., L. Blesius, J. Davis (2014).  Object-Based Classification of Abandoned Logging Roads under Heavy Canopy Using LiDAR.  Remote Sensing 2014, 6(5), 4043-4060; doi:10.3390/rs6054043.