Knowledge-Based

Classification

Lakshmi KantaKumar N
lakshmikanthkumar@gmail.com
 A knowledge-based system performs a task by
applying thumb rules, to a symbolic representation of
knowledge instead of using most Statistical (e.g.,
Maximum Likelihood) and algorithmic (e.g., Artificial
neural networks) methods.

Remote sensing perspective:

Knowledge based classification is a technique where
thematic or geometric data are included in the process of
classification.

when it is difficult or insufficient to recognise the

classes only on the basis of the spectral characteristics.
Components of KBS:
1. Knowledge base:
Heart of a knowledge-based system

Collection of facts, rules, and procedures arranged into

models

Acquired from GIS layers, or socioeconomic data

Field work can be carried out

The knowledge engineer translates the knowledge into a

format that can be understood and manipulated in the
computer.

It is a difficult and time-consuming stage.

2. Inference engine:
Brain of a KBS
Rules are examined and combined with new facts in
the knowledge base
Generate inferences and produce solutions

3. Justifier/Scheduler:
Justifier explains the line of reasoning of the system to the
user
The scheduler coordinates and controls the sequencing of
the rules

4. User interface:

facilitates communication between the system and its

user
Representation of Knowledge:
Rules
Semantic nets
Frames and
Decision trees
A rule is a provisional statement that instigates an action
if a particular condition is true.
Ex: If the digital number in the near infrared band is less
than 32, then assign the pixel to the water category.

A semantic network or net provides a graphical method

to portray descriptive or declarative knowledge
A frame organizes knowledge through past experience. It
combines declarative and operational knowledge.
The two elements of a frame are the slot and the facet
 Object: Light Industrial
Slot Facet
Area 107 hectares
Impervious Surface Area 91%
Runoff Coefficient 0.74

An example of a frame
A decision tree is a hierarchically organized semantic
network. It consists of nodes depicting goals and links that
designate decisions or outcomes.
A GIS Assisted Knowledge-Based Approach for
Military Operations

Maj. R. Baijal*, M. K. Arora and S. K.

Ghosh**
Geomatics Engineering Section, Department of
Civil Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee,
Roorkee 247 667
*rabaijal@yahoo.com, **
scnagosh@datainfosys.net
Aim:
GIS assisted knowledge-based approach for some
military operations such as selection of sites for bridges and
helipads, identification of tactically important roads and
preparation of vehicle mobility maps.

Study area:
The KB presented here has been designed keeping in
mind its effective use in the western borders of
country
Due to the security restrictions, an area lies south of
Saharanpur city, UP, Survey of India (SOI) map sheet
53 G/9 having a scale of 1:50,000 has been used.
Area covered is approximately 8 Km by 8
Km
GIS Data Layers:
1. Water Bodies:
three categories of water bodies are considered as rivers,
canals and lakes with their raster values assigned as 1, 2
and 3 respectively

Topographical map of study area Thematic layer of water bodies

2. Road network:
The roads and tracks are assigned a raster value of 1 and 2
respectively

Thematic layer of road network Thematic layer of power lines

3.Power Lines:
An important factor while deciding the location of
helipads.
Raster value of 1for presence and 0 where no power line
4. Slope Map:
heights varying from 252 m to 267 m
a slope map has been prepared showing four categories
Slope (0% slope) Plain (slopes <5 %)
Moderate (5% <=slope <=10 %) Steep (slopes >10%)

Thematic layer of slopes Thematic layer of land use

5. Land use land cover map:

IRS LISS III
Built-up areas 1, Forests 2, Rivers 3, Canals 4 and
Cultivated areas 5
6. Soil map:
Sand, Silt and Clay with raster values as 1, 2 and 3
7.Water depth:
Adequate or inadequate depth of water for wet bridges with
raster values assigned as 1 and 2

Thematic layer of soil types Thematic layer of water depth

Generation of rules for the KB:
Knowledge Engineer (KE) shell of ERDAS Imagine used

KB for Selection of Wet Bridging Sites

Result for Wet Bridge:

References:
1.Maj. R. Baijal, M. K. Arora and S. K. Ghosh, A GIS
Assisted Knowledge-Based Approach for Military
Operations.

2.Lourdes Villanueva Abellera, Application of Knowledge-

Based Classification Techniques and Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) on Satellite Imagery for
Stormwater Management, University of California.
 “Om Purna- madah, purna-midam purnat-purnam-udacyate
Purnaysa purna-madaya purna-meva-vasisyate”

“That is the whole, this is the Whole; from the Whole, the Whole
arises; taking away the Whole from the Whole, the Whole
remains”

Any Questions Please?

THANK YOU

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