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Introduction
• In order to take advantage of and make good
Elements of Visual use of remote sensing data, we must be able
to extract meaningful information from the
Interpretation imagery.
• Interpretation and analysis of remote sensing
imagery involves the identification and/or
Lydia Mazzi Kayondo measurement of various targets in an image in
order to extract useful information about
them.
Targets Visual interpretation
• Targets in remote sensing images may be any
feature or object which can be observed in an • Much interpretation and identification of
image. targets in remote sensing imagery is
• Have the following characteristics performed manually or visually i.e. by a
1. May be a point, line or area feature. They can human interpreter.
have any form like bus, plane, bridge or Independent of what type of sensor was used
roadway, water body or field to collect the data and how the data was
2. Must be distinguishable – it must contrast collected
with other features around it in the image.
For analog or digital format
Manual(Visual) Vs. digital Manual or Digital?
Manual Interpretation Digital Interpretation • Both methods have their merits and demerits
• Dates back to the early • More recent with the advent of
beginnings of Remote digital recording of remote • In most cases, a mix of both methods is
sensing sensing data and computers usually employed when analysing imagery
• Requires specialised and often
• Requires little if any expensive equipment, software • In fact, the ultimate decision of the utility and
specialised equipment and procedures
• Limited to analysing only a • More amenable to handling
relevance of the information extracted at the
single channel of data or a complex images of several or end of the analysis process still must be made
single image at a time more channels
• Subjective process meaning • Objective based on
by humans
that the results will vary manipulation of digital
with different interpreters numbers in a computer
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The visual elements
• Recognising targets is the key to interpretation
and information extraction
• Observing the differences between targets
and their backgrounds involves comparing
different targets based on any, or all, of the
visual elements of:
• Tone, shape, size, pattern, texture, shadow,
and association
• Basically spectral and spatial based
Tone - Hue
• Tone refers to the relative brightness or colour of
objects in an image – Hue: Attribute of colour we
associate with differences in wavelength
• Generally, tone is the fundamental element for
distinguishing between different targets or
features
• Variations in tone also allow the elements of
shape, texture, and pattern of objects to be
distinguished
Tone
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Shape Shape
• Shape refers to the general form, structure, or
outline of individual objects
• Shape can be a very distinctive clue for
interpretation
• Straight edge shapes typically represent urban or
agricultural (field) targets, while natural features
such as forest edges are generally more irregular
in shape except where man has created a road or
clear cuts.
• Farm or crop land irrigated by rotating sprinkler
systems would appear as circular shapes
Size Pattern
• Size of objects in an image is a function of scale. • Pattern refers to the spatial arrangement of
• It is important to assess the size of a target relative
to other objects in a scene, as well as the absolute visibly discernible objects
size • Typically an orderly repetition of similar tones
• A quick approximation of target size can directly lead and textures will produce a distinctive and
interpretation to an appropriate result more quickly
• For example, ultimately recognisable pattern
for zones of land use, large buildings such as • Orchards with evenly spaced trees and urban
factories or warehouses would suggest streets with regularly spaced houses - estates
commercial property,
whereas small buildings would indicate are good examples of pattern
residential use.
Texture
• Texture refers to the arrangement and frequency
of tonal variations in particular areas of an image.
• Rough textures is where the grey levels (tone)
change abruptly in a small area, e.g. forest
canopy
• Smooth textures would have very little tonal
variation e.g. fields, asphalt, or grassland
• Texture is one of the most important elements for
distinguishing features in radar imagery
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Texture
Shadow
• Shadow is also helpful in interpretation as it may
provide an idea of the visibility and relative
height of a target or targets which may make
identification easier.
• Also useful for enhancing or identifying
topography and landforms, particularly in radar
imagery
• However, shadows can also reduce or eliminate
interpretation in their area of influence.
Association
• Association takes into account the relationship Example of a
between other recognisable objects or features in
proximity to the target itself Landsat
• The identification of features that one would Thematic
expect to associate with other features may
provide information to facilitate identification Mapper (TM)
• For example, bands 5,4,3
– commercial properties associated with major
transportation routes. displayed as
– Residential areas associated with schools,
playgrounds. Bridges associated with rivers, etc. R,G,B
