ArcMap

Train Maximum Likelihood Classifier

Available with Spatial Analyst license.

Summary

Generate an Esri classifier definition (.ecd) file using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC) classification definition.

Usage

  • To complete the maximum likelihood classification process, use the same input raster and the output .ecd file from this tool in the Classify Raster tool.

  • The input raster can be any Esri-supported raster with any valid bit depth.

  • To create a segmented raster dataset, use the Segment Mean Shift tool.

  • To create the training sample file, use the Training Sample Manager from the Image Classification toolbar. For information on how to use the Image Classification toolbar, see What is image classification?

  • The Output Classifier Definition File contains attribute statistics suitable for the Maximum Likelihood Classification tool.

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

Syntax

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

Select the raster dataset you want to classify.

Raster Layer; Mosaic Layer; Image Service; String
in_training_features

Select the training sample file or layer that delineates your training sites.

These can be either shapefiles or feature classes, which contain your training samples.

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 or DEM.

Raster Layer; Mosaic Layer; Image Service; String
used_attributes
[used_attributes,...]
(Optional)

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

  • COLOR —The RGB color values are derived from the input raster, 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.

This parameter is only enabled if the Segmented key property is set to true on the input 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.

String

Code sample

TrainMaximumLikelihoodClassifier example 1 (Python window)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use this tool.

import arcpy
from arcpy.sa import *

TrainMaximumLikelihoodClassifier(
    "c:/test/moncton_seg.tif", "c:/test/train.gdb/train_features", 
    "c:/output/moncton_sig.ecd", "c:/test/moncton.tif", 
    "COLOR;MEAN;STD;COUNT;COMPACTNESS;RECTANGULARITY")
TrainMaximumLikelihoodClassifier example 2 (stand-alone script)

This example shows how to train a maximum likelihood classifier.

# 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"
attributes = "COLOR;MEAN;STD;COUNT;COMPACTNESS;RECTANGULARITY"

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

# Execute 
TrainMaximumLikelihoodClassifier(inSegRaster, train_features, out_definition, 
                                 in_additional_raster, 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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