Definiens eCognition Brings New Dimensions to Geospatial Image Analysis

Leveraging Definiens' research and development efforts in 3D and 4D image analysis, eCognition 8 introduces new capabilities in multi-dimensional geospatial image analysis. While LiDAR data used to require pre-processing prior to image analysis, with eCognition 8 users are now able to input LiDAR datasets in their native format - a first in the industry. The software can also apply object-based image analysis (OBIA) principles to LiDAR data and fuse LiDAR, vector and optical data, allowing users to efficiently manage complex projects.

Another major focus area of eCognition 8 is making the development of semi-automated production applications easier. Within the new version, applications can be wrapped in a powerful and intuitive graphical interface. A range of new manual editing options simplify workflows for production teams, making eCognition 8 more user-friendly and functional than its predecessors.

eCognition 8 also delivers a standardised graphical application called Quickmap. Users can select from alternate start modes depending on their level of experience and the complexity of the image analysis project. As a result, casual eCognition users can quickly create meaningful results using Quickmap, while more seasoned users retain the full functionality of eCognition Developer, which develops rule sets for the automatic analysis of remote sensing data. Quickmap's code will also be made available so that it can be leveraged in the development of custom applications by the eCognition user community.

"After introducing OBIA to the earth science industry in 2001, we are excited to now introduce eCognition 8, which once again sets new standards for the industry," said Ralph D. Humberg, Vice President, Earth Sciences at Definiens. "Our latest software incorporates functionality that makes it accessible to new audiences across industries as diverse as insurance, urban planning, defence and forestry while simultaneously allowing experienced users to meet the demands of complex projects more efficiently. We anticipate that eCognition 8 will spur the development of a range of novel applications."

Beyond improvements to the application building process, eCognition 8 provides advancements in the performance and speed of advanced image analysis. In test cases, eCognition 8 performed up to ten times faster than the previous version, as a result of more effective utilization of processing resources.

Definiens introduced the eCognition 8 software suite at the IMAX Theater in Munich on November 2, 2009 as part of its four-day eCognition User Summit. For more information, visit earth.definiens.com.