Automatic mapping of settlement areas using a knowledge-based image interpretation system

We introduce the knowledge-based image interpretation system GeoAIDA and give examples for an image operator, extracting trees from aerial imagery. Moreover we present a generic grouping approach, based on the Relative Neighborhood Graph. The application of the tree operator to a test site shows that the introduced approach for the delineation of trees using Active Contour Models leads to good results. The grouping algorithm is used in order to identify building rows. In the paper we shortly describe the theory of the image operator, and the performance of the whole system is demonstrated by means of examples. Results from a test area show that the information about building rows can be used for the enhancement of the building reconstruction.