A Theoretical Framework for Unsupervised Change Detection Based on Change Vector Analysis in Polar Domain

This paper addresses unsupervised change detection by proposing a proper framework for a formal definition and a theoretical study of the change vector analysis (CVA) technique. This framework, which is based on the representation of the CVA in polar coordinates, aims at: 1) introducing a set of formal definitions in the polar domain (which are linked to the properties of the data) for a better general description (and thus understanding) of the information present in spectral change vectors; 2) analyzing from a theoretical point of view the distributions of changed and unchanged pixels in the polar domain (also according to possible simplifying assumptions); 3) driving the implementation of proper preprocessing procedures to be applied to multitemporal images on the basis of the results of the theoretical study on the distributions; and 4) defining a solid background for the development of advanced and accurate automatic change-detection algorithms in the polar domain. The findings de...