Synthetic aperture radar image segmentation by a detail preserving Markov random field approach

A multichannel image segmentation method is imposed that utilizes Markov random fields (MRFs) with adaptive neighborhood (AN) systems. Bayesian inference is applied to realize the combination of evidence from different knowledge sources. In such a way, optimization of the shape of a neighborhood system is achieved by following a criterion that makes use of the Markovian property exploiting the local image content. The MRF segmentation approach with AN systems (MRF-AN) makes it possible to better preserve small features and border areas. The purpose of the paper is to show the usefulness of the concept of MRF-AN for SAR image segmentation.