ArcMap

Train Support Vector Machine Classifier

Summary

Generate an Esri classifier definition (.ecd) file using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification definition.

Usage

  • The SVM classifier provides a powerful, modern supervised classification method that is able to handle a segmented raster input, or a standard image. This is a relatively new classification method that is widely used among researchers.

  • For standard image inputs, the tool accepts multiple-band imagery with any bit depth, and it will perform the SVM classification on a pixel basis, based on the input training feature file.

  • For segmented rasters, which have their key property set to Segmented, the tool computes the index image and associated segment attributes from the RGB segmented raster. The attributes are computed to generate the classifier definition file to be used in a separate classification tool. The attributes for each segment can be computed from any Esri-supported image.

  • There are several advantages with the SVM classifier tool, as opposed to the traditional classification methods:

    • The SVM classifier can handle very large segmented images, whose attribute table can become quite large, which is especially helpful with high-resolution imagery.
    • It is less susceptible to noise, correlated bands, and an unbalanced number or size of training sites within each class.

  • Any Esri-supported raster is accepted as input, including raster products, segmented raster, mosaics, image services, or generic raster datasets. Segmented rasters must be 8-bit rasters with 3-bands.

  • Segment Attributes is enabled only if one of the raster layer inputs is a segmented image.

Syntax

TrainSupportVectorMachineClassifier (in_raster, in_training_features, out_classifier_definition, {in_additional_raster}, {max_samples_per_class}, {used_attributes})
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_raster

Select the raster dataset you want to classify.

The preferred input is a 3-band, 8-bit segmented raster dataset, where all the pixels in the same segment have the same color. The input can also be a 1-band 8-bit grayscale segmented raster. If no segmented raster is available, you can use any Esri-supported raster dataset.

Raster Layer | Mosaic Layer
in_training_features

The training sample feature class must have been created in ArcMap. There is no method to create them in Python.

Feature Layer | Raster Catalog Layer
out_classifier_definition

This is a JSON file that contains attribute information, statistics, hyperplane vectors and other information needed for the classifier. A file with an .ecd extension is created.

File
in_additional_raster
(Optional)

Optionally incorporate ancillary raster datasets, such as a segmented image, a multispectral image, or a DEM, to generate attributes and other required information for classification.

Raster Layer | Mosaic Layer
max_samples_per_class
(Optional)

The maximum number of samples to use for defining each class.

The default value of 100 is recommended when the inputs are nonsegmented rasters. A value that is less than or equal to 0 means that the system will use all the samples from the training sites, to train the classifier.

Long
used_attributes
used_attributes;used_attributes
(Optional)

Specify the attributes to be included in the attribute table associated with the output raster.

If the only input into the tool is a segmented image, the default attributes are COLOR, COUNT, COMPACTNESS, and RECTANGULARITY. If an in_additional_raster is also included as an input along with a segmented image, then MEAN and STD are available as options.

  • COLOR —The average chromaticity color, on a per-segment basis.
  • MEAN —The average digital number (DN), derived from the optional pixel image, on a per-segment basis.
  • STD —The standard deviation, derived from the optional pixel image, on a per-segment basis.
  • COUNT —The number of pixels comprising the segment, on a per-segment basis.
  • COMPACTNESS —The degree to which a segment is compact or circular, on a per-segment basis. The values range from 0 to 1, where 1 is a circle.
  • RECTANGULARITY —The degree to which the segment is rectangular, on a per-segment basis. The values range from 0 to 1, where 1 is a rectangle.
String

Code sample

TrainSupportVectorClassifier example 1 (Python window)

This Python example uses the SVM classifier to classify a segmented raster.

import arcpy
from arcpy.sa import *

arcpy.gp.TrainSupportVectorMachineClassifier(
    "c:/test/moncton_seg.tif", "c:/test/train.gdb/train_features",
    "c:/output/moncton_sig_SVM.ecd", "c:/test/moncton.tif", "10",
    "COLOR;MEAN;STD;COUNT;COMPACTNESS;RECTANGULARITY")
TrainSupportVectorClassifier example 2 (stand-alone script)

This Python script uses the SVM classifier to classify a segmented raster.

# Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy.sa import *


# Set local variables
inSegRaster = "c:/test/moncton_seg.tif"
train_features = "c:/test/train.gdb/train_features"
out_definition = "c:/output/moncton_sig.ecd"
in_additional_raster = "c:/moncton.tif"
maxNumSamples = "10"
attributes = "COLOR;MEAN;STD;COUNT;COMPACTNESS;RECTANGULARITY"

# Check out the ArcGIS Spatial Analyst extension license
arcpy.CheckOutExtension("Spatial")

#Execute
arcpy.gp.TrainSupportVectorMachineClassifier(
    inSegRaster, train_features, out_definition, 
    in_additional_raster, maxNumSamples, attributes)

Environments

Licensing information

  • ArcGIS Desktop Basic: Requires Spatial Analyst
  • ArcGIS Desktop Standard: Requires Spatial Analyst
  • ArcGIS Desktop Advanced: Requires Spatial Analyst

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