Classification of Remotely Sensed Images Using the GeneSIS Fuzzy Segmentation Algorithm

In this paper, we propose an integrated framework of the recently proposed Genetic Sequential Image Segmentation (GeneSIS) algorithm. GeneSIS segments the image in an iterative manner, whereby at each iteration, a single object is extracted via a genetic algorithm-based object extraction method. This module evaluates the fuzzy content of candidate regions, and through an effective fitness function design provides objects with optimal balance between fuzzy coverage, consistency and smoothness. GeneSIS exhibits a number of interesting properties, such as reduced over-/undersegmentation, adaptive search scale, and region-based search. To enhance the capabilities of GeneSIS, we incorporate here several improvements of our initial proposal. On one hand, two modifications are introduced pertaining to the object extraction algorithm. Specifically, we consider a more flexible representation of the structural elements used for the object´s extraction. Furthermore, in view of its importance, the consistency criterion is redefined, thus providing a better handling of the ambiguous areas of the image. On the other hand we incorporate three tools properly devised, according to the fuzzy principles characterizing GeneSIS. First, we develop a marker selection strategy that creates reliable markers, particularly when dealing with ambiguous components of the image. Furthermore, using GeneSIS as the essential part, we consider a generalized experimental setup embracing two different classification schemes for remote sensing images: the spectral-spatial classification and the supervised segmentation methods. Finally, exploiting the inherent property of GeneSIS to produce multiple segmentations, we propose a segmentation fusion scheme. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is validated after thorough experimentation on four data sets.