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Minimum Distance Classification

We initiate our survey of supervised classification by producing one using the minimum distance routine. The IDRISI program acts on DNs in multidimensional band space to organize the pixels into the classes we chose. Each unknown pixel is then placed in the class closest to the mean vector in this band space. For Morro Bay, the resulting classification image consists of 16 gray levels, each representing a class, which we can then assign any color on the computer. We usually combine classes to have either color themes (similar colors for related classes) and/or to set apart spatially adjacent classes by using disparate colors. Examine this minimum distance classification below, in which we use all seven TM bands, including the thermal. Study it in relation to your acquired knowledge of this scene from the preceding pages in this section and compare it with the classification we show next.

Minimum Distance Classification of Morro Bay, California.


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Primary Author: Nicholas M. Short, Sr. email: nmshort@epix.net

Collaborators: Code 935 NASA GSFC, GST, USAF Academy
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