Extraction of urban network from high spatial imagery using the multiresolution analysis and the wavelet transform.

Abstract : This paper presents a new method to extract, semi-automatically, quadrangular urban road network from high spatial resolution imagery. A quadrangular network is generally composed of different classes of streets in a hierarchical system. The developed method is based both on the multiresolution analysis and on the wavelet transform. The multiresolution analysis allows a multiscale analysis of images and thus the extraction of the streets in a class-by-class way. The wavelet transform enables the modeling of information at different characteristic scales. In the problem, it allows the extraction of the topography of streets. These two mathematical tools are combined in the "à trous" algorithm. The application of this algorithm to images of urban areas has been used to develop semi-automatic multiresolution processing. This method will help photo-interpreters in their cartographic works by a partial automation of tasks.