into eCognition. The software first delineates land and sea
areas deeper than 15 m. Based on depth data and known
topographic characteristics, it then categorizes the overall
reef structure, distinguishing reef crest, fore reef, back
reef, patch and fringing reef. Once it defines the five reef
classes, eCognition determines seagrass classes (dense
and sparse), sand types, dredged areas, and then finishes
with mapping the deeper hard bottom algae classes. In
total, the software automatically classifies 13 different
benthic habitats.
"eCognition is smart," said Ralph Humberg, Tama Group's
managing director. "It takes in all this information we
give it about coral reefs and uses it in the context of
pixel characteristics and spatial relationships to classify
features. It knows where features should and shouldn't
exist. That's why it can accurately classify objects that look
similar, like seagrass and hard bottom with algae."
An aerial view of coral reefs off the southern coast of Haiti near Lagon
des Huîtres National Park..
A Blue Hamlet swims in front of Staghorn Coral. Photo: Steve Schill
Coral reefs surround Punta Icaco near Club Med Miches and
Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic.
An eCognition classification of 12 different benthic habitats for Turks and Caicos.
