Object validity for operational tasks in a policy context

(GE)OBIA (Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis) utilises intelligent tools and algorithms for automatically delineating and labelling geographical objects. OBIA aims at converting traditional and established photo-interpretation tasks into operational use. Moreover, it may help to support the realisation of novel tasks in addressing composite classes, modelling new geographical realities, or observing changes at the individual object level, etc. Ranging from object representations (real-world objects or bona fide objects), via complex composite classes (real-world modelled objects) to concept-related fiat objects, OBIA poses new challenges for evaluating object validity in an operational context. This paper reflects on the need for an object-based validation concept, illustrates policy-related application scenarios and discusses qualitative and quantitative pillars under thematic and geo-spatial aspects.