Abstract
Analysis of aerial-collected imagery often involves a comparison between two geographically referenced images to assess temporal changes. Change detection refers to the technique of comparing a pair of images that have been collected from approximately the same georeferenced area, but at different times. The intent of the analysis is to identify differences, often quite small, in a given geospatial area. Numerous factors can cause visible changes in two georeferenced but temporally separated images. Although computers can be used to identify differences in the pixels of an image, the computer continues to be unable to assess what differences between images have contextual importance. Therefore, the human remains the best tool for assessing differences in images, but the human may not be the best tool for detecting differences in images without direct aid. To better assist individuals engaged in such endeavors, a Change Detection Software system, CDS©, was developed at the Idaho National Laboratory.
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