Fast building extraction by multiscale analysis of digital surface models

Building detection is a challenging issue that requires efficient solutions in many operational contexts. Hierarchical image representation through tree structures is known for its compliance with such requirements for fast methods in remote sensing. In this paper, we address the building detection problem using an underlying hierarchical image model, and rely solely on height information coming from digital surface models (DSM). The proposed method is thus very efficient and allows for interactive rule-based detection of buildings and other land use / land cover classes. Preliminary results on a standard dataset from ISPRS are provided and illustrate the relevance of such an approach.