Abstract:
Traditionally, geographic informa tion systems (GIS) have used data generated from remote sensing, but only after the data have been preprocessed in some way to provide a suitable classification. This leads to several weaknesses; the resulting framework is inflexible and cannot support multiple interpretations of the same area. A new model for a GIS is introduced fhaf includes a set of image understanding methods, and expert knowledge governing the application of these methods. The methods employed are chosen automatically to best emphasize the types of features (rivers, fields, forests, etc.) that the user is currently investigating, and the type of imagery available. An implementation of the model is described along with details of the knowledge structures and image processing methods used. Examples are included to show the resulting adaptive nature of image interpretation and subsequent inclusion of feature descriptions into the GIS.