Remote-sensing imagery classification using multiple classification algorithm-based AdaBoost

AdaBoost demonstrates excellent performance in remote sensing (RS) image classification, but as it works on only one classification algorithm, the disadvantage of the classification algorithm itself is difficult to overcome, resulting in limitations in the improvement of classification accuracy. In this article, a modified AdaBoost, a multiple classification algorithm-based AdaBoost (MCA AdaBoost), is proposed to improve remote sensing image classification. The new method works on more than one classification algorithm and can make full use of the advantages of different learning algorithms. Based on a Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) image whose spatial resolution was enhanced to 15 m with a panchromatic band, a C4.5 decision tree, Naïve Bayes, and artificial neural network were used as objects to verify and compare the performance of both AdaBoost and MCA AdaBoost. The experimental results show that MCA AdaBoost successfully inherits the benefits of the original AdaBoost, combines the advantages of different classification algorithms and lowers overfitting. By increasing diversity and complementarity among base classifiers, MCA AdaBoost outperforms AdaBoost in terms of RS classification accuracy improvement.