Map-guided classification of regional land-cover with
multi-temporal AVHRR data
David M. Stoms, Michael J. Bueno, Frank W. Davis, Kelly M. Cassidy,
Ken L. Driese, and James S. Kagan
Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing 64:
831-838.
Cartographers often need to use information in existing
land-cover maps when compiling regional or global maps, but there
are no standardized techniques for using such data effectively. An
iterative, map-guided classification approach was developed to compile
a spatially and thematically consistent, seamless land-cover map of
the entire Intermountain Semi-Desert ecoregion from a set of semi-independent
subregional maps derived by various methods. A multi-temporal dataset
derived from AVHRR data was classified using the subregional maps
as training data. The resulting regional map attempted to meet the
guidelines of the proposed National Vegetation Classification Standards
for classification at the alliance level. The approach generally improved
the spatial properties of the regional mapping, while maintaining
the thematic detail of the source maps. The methods described may
be useful in many situations where mapped information exists but is
incomplete, compiled by different methods, or is based on inconsistent
classification systems.