Supporting slum mapping using very high resolution satellite data

This paper demonstrates how the analysis of VHR optical satellite data can be used to automatically discriminate between different built-up structures and patterns associated with human settlements based on a multi-criteria analysis using texture, morphology-derived and radiometric descriptors. This allows the discrimination between informal (e.g. slums) and formal human settlement patterns. In addition it allows comparison of informal human settlement patterns extracted from different urbanized regions across the world. The proposed methodology could improve the ability of UN-HABITAT to produce global statistics on slums. Furthermore, the methodology provides information on the location, condition and evolution of high risk, vulnerable communities and groups in slums in high disaster risk regions susceptible to adverse impacts of climate change, which are relevant for disaster risk reduction.

KEMPER Thomas;  WANIA Annett;  PESARESI Martino; 

2010-03-30

International Center for Remote Sensing of Environment (ICRSE)

JRC51440

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC51440,