A Semantic-Based Multilevel Approach to Change Detection in Very High Geometrical Resolution Multitemporal Images

This paper addresses the problem of change detection (CD) in very high geometrical resolution (VHR) multitemporal images. In this context, we propose a conceptual framework that aims at defining: i) a taxonomy of different radiometric changes occurring when dealing with VHR remote sensing images; and ii) a global approach to the definition of the architecture of effective CD methods for VHR images. This framework defines precise guidelines for the development of a new generation of CD methods that can properly analyze multitemporal VHR images. The proposed framework is illustrated in the definition of a change detection method for the solution of a specific real problem related to the analysis of multitemporal QuickBird images. © 2011 IEEE.