Road vectorisation from high-resolution imagery based on dynamic clustering using particle swarm optimisation

This paper introduces an innovative automatic road-vectorisation algorithm based on dynamic pixel clustering using particle swarm optimisation. A new cost function is designed to optimise the number and position of road keypoints and is capable of deriving road centrelines without considering geometric, spectral or topological characteristics in the road model. The algorithm is applied to different high-resolution images (IKONOS, QuickBird and aerial photographs) and is evaluated with respect to RMSE, correctness and completeness. Moreover, a new quality parameter is defined to evaluate a kinking effect in roads. Extraction of different road shapes with an acceptable precision in both urban and rural environments proves the efficiency of the algorithm in yielding complete road networks.