Models For Hyperspectral Image Analysis: From Unmixing To Object-Based Classification

The recent advances in hyperspectral remote sensing technology allow the simultaneous acquisition of hundreds of spectral wavelengths for each image pixel. This rich spectral information of the hyperspectral data makes it possible to discriminate different physical substances, leading to a potentially more accurate classification and thus opening the door to numerous new applications. Throughout the history of remote sensing research, numerous methods for hyperspectral image analysis have been presented. Depending on the spatial resolution of the images, specific mathematical models must be designed to effectively analyze the imagery. Some of these models operate at a sub-pixel level, trying to decompose a mixed spectral signature into its pure constituents, while others operate at a pixel or even object level, seeking to assign unique labels to every pixel or object in the scene. The spectral mixing of the measurements and the high dimensionality of the data are some of the challenging features of hyperspectral imagery. This chapter presents an overview of unmixing and classification methods, intended to address these challenges for accurate hyperspectral data analysis.