Applicability of multifractal features as global characteristics of WorldView-2 panchromatic satellite images

Abstract

In this work we analyse fractal and multifractal characteristics for description and extraction of information from VHR satellite images. We propose the degree of multifractality as a global descriptor of satellite image content and investigate its usefulness for classification of WorldView-2 image chips into main land cover types. The research confirmed that it is possible to use the textural features as efficient global descriptors of WorldView-2 panchromatic image content. Results show that the degree of multifractality is related to land cover type prevailing in the imaged area. It was also proved that multifractal parameters should be considered as valuable textural features in the context of land cover classification.

Keywords:

• Multifractals
• texture
• classification
• panchromatic VHR satellite images
• WorldView-2