Data Interpretation

Techniques
Abdul Nasir
Image interpretation
Extraction of qualitative and quantitative
information from an image

Image analysis
Deriving information from interpretation
based on background knowledge of the area
and other supporting information
IMAGE INTERPRETATION/ANALYSIS
PROCESS
Image reading

An elementary form of image

interpretation

Identification of objects is done using

shape, size, pattern, tone, texture, color,
shadow and other associated
relationships
Image measurement

Extraction of physical quantities,

length, area, density etc through an
image
INTERPRETATION ELEMENTS
Tone
Relative brightness of an object on image

The absolute values depends upon terrain

conditions, sensor, photographic factors,
atmospheric factors such as haze, sun clouds
shadows

e.g dry sand reflects white, while wet sand reflects

black. In black and white near infrared
photographs, water is black and healthy
vegetation white to light gray
Pattern

Spatial arrangement of objects

Regular repetition of shapes
e.g
Rows of houses or apartments,
A specific type of sand dune
Regularly spaced rice fields
Texture

Group of repeated small patterns

e.g homogeneous grassland exhibits a smooth
texture, forests show a coarse texture
Smooth or coarse texture also depends upon
scale of the photograph or image
Coarse Forest area & Fine Young Re-forest Area
Shape

General form , configuration or outline of

individual objects
Some objects have distinctive shapes and
therefore identified
e.g Airports, Harbors, Stadiums etc are
identified by their shapes
Shadow

A visual obstacle for image interpretation

However, shadow can also give some
indication of height information, such as
towers, tall buildings etc
Color

Color is more convenient for the

identification of object details.
e.g
Vegetation ( cultivated /non
cultivated), forests, density of
vegetation, urban areas, turbidity in
lakes/reservoirs
Scale
The scale of an image is vitally important for
interpretation
The scale enables determination of the
approximate size of the object being interpreted
Selection of scale of image depends upon the
purpose of the interpretation.

Small Scale 1:1000,000

Large Scale 1:100,000
Tarbela Dam

Islamabad

Mangla Dam
Islamabad at a Large Scale
Association
A specific combination of elements ,
geographic characteristics,
configuration of surroundings provides
useful clues for image interpretation
Image Interpretation based on Spectral
Discrimination
Use of Multiband datasets
e.g For identification of water bodies reflected infrared band is
used
Sun light entering clear water is absorbed in about 2 meters
Reflected IR is absorbed in few tenth of a meter(resulting dark
tone)
Reflectance properties of water bodies is not only the function
of water but also the material contained in it.
Clear water absorb little energy of wavelength less than 0.6
micron
With changes in turbidity of water, transmittance and
reflectance changes significantly
Infrared Band
Green- Visible Band
Blue-Visible Band
False Colour Composite FCC
INTERPRETATION BY
DEDUCTION
Some objects, feature or phenomena on the
surface of earth or beneath are determined using
deductive approach.
•Rock structure based on drainage pattern
•Vegetation for sitting ground water resources
 ROADS
Roads are man made linear features used
for travel and transportation, connecting
cities and towns
Types: Metaled, Unmetaled, Tracks
Shape: Linear, Sharp bands
Size: Variable
Pattern: Geometric
Tone: Dark/White
Texture: Uniform
Railways
Track or set of tracks of steel rails for passage
of trains of carriages conveying passengers
or goods, connecting cities/towns
Types: Double Track, Single Track
Shape: Linear, Wide bands
Size: Variable
Pattern: Geometric
Tone: Dark
Texture: Uniform
Canals
An artificial open channel usually used to
convey water or vessels from one point to
another
Types: Lined or Un-lined
Shape: Linear, Distinct Boundaries
Size: Variable
Pattern: Regular/irregular
Tone: Shades of Blue
Texture: Smooth
Site: Cultivated Fields
Settlements/Towns
A place at/or near its vicinity basic
requirements of human livings exists
Types: Urban/Rural
Shape: Variable
Size: Variable
Pattern: Uniform/Irregular
Tone: Bluish Gray
Texture: Smooth
Site: Roads, Railways etc.
General Configuration of
Settlements/Towns
Configuration of Settlements/Towns
at a larger scale
 Satellite View of
Settlements/Towns
SPOT Pan Image of Faisalabad
Bridges
A structure erected to span natural or
artificial obstacles such as rivers, highways,
or railroads.
Shape: Regular/geometric
Size: Variable
Pattern: Linear, Geometric
Tone: Dark
Texture: Uniform
Site: Near Infrastructure, Connected
With Communication Network
General Configuration of a Bridge

Legend:
River
Bridge
Road
Cultivation
Satellite View of a Bridge
DAMS
A structure that bars or detains the flow of water
in open channel or water course.
Types: Diversion Dams; Navigation Dams;
Power Dams; Storage Dams
Shape: Irregular with distinct boundaries
Size: Variable
Pattern: Irregular or Geometric
Tone: Shades of Blue in FCC
Texture: Smooth
Site: Hilly areas/Valleys
Hub Dam
Biomass
The mass of living material present in an
organism(s).
Types: Agriculture, Forest, Natural
Shape: Variable,, Discrete Boundaries
Size: Variable
Pattern: Geometric or Irregular
Tone: Shades of Red in FCC
Texture: Uniform to Rough;
Smooth/mottled
Site: Fertile/well Drained Plains
Waterlog and Salinity