Object-Based Method Outperforms Per-Pixel Method for Land Cover Classification in a Protected Area of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Region

Abstract Conventional image classification based on pixels hinders the possibilities to obtain information contained in images, while modern object-based classification methods increase the acquisition of information about the object and the context in which it is inserted in the image. The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of different classification methods for land cover mapping in the vicinity of the Alto Ribeira Tourist State Park, a Brazilian Atlantic rainforest area. Two classification methods were tested, including i) a hybrid per-pixel classification using the image processing software ERDAS Imagine version 9.1 and ii) an object-based classification using the software eCognition version 5. In the first method, six different classes were established, while in the second method, another two classes were established in addition to the six classes in the first method. Accuracy assessment of the classification results presented showed that the object-based classification with a Kappa index value of 0.8687 outperformed the per-pixel classification with a Kappa index value of 0.2224. Application of the user's knowledge during the object-based classification process achieved the desired quality; therefore, the use of inter-relationships between objects, superclasses, subclasses, and neighboring classes were critical to improving the efficiency of land cover classification.