Optimizing Image Size of Convolutional Neural Networks for Producing Remote Sensing-based Thematic Map

Abstract

This study aims to develop a methodology of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to produce thematic maps from remote sensing data. Optimizing the image size for CNNs was studied, since the size of the image affects to accuracy, working as hyper-parameter. The selected study area is Mt. Ung, located in Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, consisting of both coniferous forest and deciduous forest. Spatial structure analysis and the classification of forest type using CNNs was carried in the study area at a diverse range of scales. As a result of the spatial structure analysis, it was found that the local variance (LV) was high, in the range of 7.65 m to 18.87 m, meaning that the size of objects in the image is likely to be with in this range. As a result of the classification, the image measuring 15.81 m, belonging to the range with highest LV values, had the highest classification accuracy of 85.09%. Also, there was a positive correlation between LV and the accuracy in the range under 15.81 m, which was judged to be the optimal image size. Therefore, the trial and error selection of the optimum image size could be minimized by choosing the result of the spatial structure analysis as the starting point. This study estimated the optimal image size for CNNs using spatial structure analysis and found that this can be used to promote the application of deep-learning in remote sensing.