Object-based classification of mixed forest types in Mongolia

The aim of this study is to produce updated forest map of the Bogdkhan Mountain, Mongolia using multitemporal Sentinel-2A images. The target area has highly mixed forest types and it is very difficult to differentiate the fuzzy boundaries among different forest types. To extract the forest class information, an object-based classification technique is applied and a rule-base to separate the mixed classes is developed. The rule-base uses a hierarchy of rules describing different conditions under which the actual classification has to be performed. To compare the result of the developed method with a result of a pixel-based approach, a Bayesian maximum likelihood classification is applied. The final result indicates overall accuracy of 90.87% for the object-based classification, while for the pixel-based approach it is 79.89%. Overall, the research indicates that the object-based method that uses a thoroughly defined segmentation and a well-constructed rule-base can significantly improve the classification of mixed forest types and produce of a reliable forest map.