Classification: On-Line Manual

Classification
O N - L I N E M A N U A L
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Classification On-Line Manual
Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Signature Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Load Signature File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Save Signature File As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Report Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Set Signature Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Parallelepiped Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Set Parallelepiped Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Layers To Use: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Set Associated Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Signature Extract from Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Signature Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Signature Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Histogram Plot Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Histogram Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Histogram Print Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Save Histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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View Signature Columns: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Column Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Signature Separability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Contingency Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Create Feature Space Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Create Thematic Feature Space Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Conflicting Class Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Linked Cursors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Image to FS Masking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
FS to Image Masking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Signature Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Save Objects As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Unsupervised Classification (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
File Statistics Options (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Supervised Classification (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Non-parametric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Parametric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Attribute Options (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Unsupervised Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
iv
File Statistics Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Output Color Scheme Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Supervised Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Non-parametric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Parametric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Attribute Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Distance Image File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Distance File Histograms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Output File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
View Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Distance Histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Define Threshold in Histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Thresholding Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Load Distance Histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Save Distance Histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Open Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Threshold to file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Fuzzy Convolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Accuracy Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Add Random Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Change colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
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Assignment Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Signature Mean Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Save Annotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Save Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
UNIX Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Output Color Scheme Options (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Unsupervised Classification (from DataPrep menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Output Color Scheme Options (from DataPrep menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
File Statistics Options (from DataPrep menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
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Classification
Classification
Classification is the process of sorting pixels into a finite number of individual classes, or
categories of data, based on their data file values. If a pixel satisfies a certain set of criteria, then
the pixel is assigned to the class that corresponds to that criteria.
For the first part of the classification process, the computer system must be trained to recognize
patterns in the data. Training is the process of defining the criteria by which these patterns are
recognized. The result of training is a set of signatures, which are criteria for a set of proposed
classes.
There are two ways to classify pixels into different categories:
♦ supervised
♦ unsupervised
Many of the Classification tools can also be accessed through the Signature Editor.
Click on the Classifier icon in the ERDAS IMAGINE icon panel to open this dialog.
Signature Editor ... Click to open the Signature Editor. This utility allows you to create,
manage, evaluate, edit, and classify signatures.
Unsupervised Classification ... Click to open the Unsupervised Classification

dialog. This utility lets you perform an unsupervised classification on an .img file using the
ISODATA algorithm. This utility can also be accessed from the Signature Editor.
Supervised Classification ... Click to open the Supervised Classification dialog.

This utility allows you to perform a supervised classification on an .img file using various
decision rules. This utility can also be accessed from the Signature Editor.
Threshold ... Click to open the Threshold dialog. This utility allows you to evaluate the
accuracy of the classification process.
Fuzzy Convolution ... Click to open the Fuzzy Convolution dialog. This utility allows
you to perform a moving window convolution on a fuzzy classification with multiple output
class assignments. Using the multi-layer classification and distance file, the convolution
creates a new single class output file by computing a total weighted distance for all classes
in the window.
Accuracy Assessment ... Click to open the Accuracy Assessment dialog. This utility
allows you to evaluate the accuracy of the classification process.
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Classification
Feature Space Image ... Click to open the Create Feature Space Images dialog. This
utility allows you to create a feature space image(s) from the continuous raster layers in an
.img file. This utility can also be accessed from the Signature Editor.
Feature Space Thematic ... Click to open the Create Thematic Feature Space
Images dialog. This utility allows you to transform a thematic raster layer into a feature space
image. This utility can also be accessed from the Signature Editor.
Knowledge Classifier ... Click to open the Knowledge Classification dialog. This
utility allows you to apply the knowledge base and create the output classification.
Knowledge Engineer ... Click to start the Knowledge Engineer. This utility allows
you to identify the variables, rules, and output classes of interest and to create the decision
tree for complex, rules-based classification.
Close Click to close this dialog.
Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

➲ For information on using the ERDAS IMAGINE graphical interface, see the on-line IMAGINE
Interface manual.
➲ See the “Classification” chapter in the ERDAS Field Guide for more information on
classifying an .img file.
➲ See the ERDAS IMAGINE Tour Guides manual for step-by-step instructions on
classification.
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Signature Editor
Signature Editor
The ERDAS IMAGINE Signature Editor allows you to create, manage, evaluate, edit, and
classify signatures (.sig extension). The following types of signatures can be defined:
♦ parametric (statistical)
♦ non-parametric (feature space)
In order to create signatures you must have the image you are classifying opened in a Viewer.
Then, using the AOI tools, you can create point, line, polygon, and “seed” areas of interest. To
enter an AOI into the Signature Editor, first select it, then select Edit | Add from the Signature
Editor menu bar or click the icon on the Signature Editor tool bar.
➲ The minimum number of pixels required for a signature when using a maximum likelihood
classifier is the number of bands plus one (1). Check the Count field in the CellArray below
to confirm the size of a signature. The minimum number of pixels of a sample size used to
estimate the mean vector and covariance matrix for an N-dimensional normal distribution is
(N+1), which is the necessary condition for the matrix to be positive definite. For a 35-band
image, if you choose five (5) bands for your maximum likelihood classification, the theoretical
minimum number of pixels for a signature is six (6). However, in actual practice, a larger
sample size is needed for statistical significance.
Signatures can also be gathered from feature space images, created with the Feature menu.
Feature space images are displayed in Viewers and these signatures are also identified using
AOI tools.
When all of the signatures are entered, you can use the Edit, View, and Evaluate menu options
to evaluate and edit your signatures. When you are satisfied with the signatures, use the
Classify menu to actually perform the image classification.
Select Signature Editor... from the Classification menu to open this dialog.
File Click on this menu to select from options for opening and saving signature files (.sig).
This menu also gives you the option to generate a report.
Open... This option lets you load an existing signature file (.sig or .sbd) into the Signature
Editor. The Load Signature File dialog is opened.
New... This option lets you open a new Signature Editor.
Save This option saves the signature set and all of its attributes in the Signature Editor
to the defined .sig file.
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Signature Editor
Save As... This option lets you save the signature set and all of its attributes in the
Signature Editor to a specified file name. The Save Signature File As dialog is opened.
Report... This option lets you print a report of the statistics, histograms, and comments
for signatures in the Signature Editor. The Report Signature dialog is opened.
Close This option closes the Signature Editor you are currently using.
Close All This option closes all of the open Signature Editors.
Edit Click on this menu to select from options for editing the signatures in the Signature
Editor.
Undo Use this option to undo the last edit.
Add Use this option to add a new signature based on the selected AOI in the Viewer.
Replace This option replaces the current signature(s) with the selected AOI in the
Viewer.
Merge Use this option to merge the selected signatures to create a new one.
Delete This option deletes the selected signature(s).
Colors This popup menu allows you to change the color for the selected signature(s) or
all of the signatures, if one is not selected.
Approximate True Colors... This option allows you to create an approximate true
color scheme. The Set Signature Color dialog is opened.
Gray Scale This option lets you create a gray scale color scheme for the signatures.
Levels Slice This option allows you to use a level slice for the signature colors.
Values This popup list allows you to reset and invert the values for all of the signatures
in the Signature Editor. The values are listed in the Value column of the Signature Editor.
Reset This option resets the signature values to a positive increment from the lowest
value to the highest value.
Invert This option inverts the signature values from the highest value to the lowest
value.
Order This popup list allows you to reset and invert the order for all of the signatures in
the Signature Editor. The orders are listed in the Order column of the Signature Editor.
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Signature Editor
The order in which the signatures appear in the signature file determines the order that
they are processed. For example, if you are performing a parallelepiped classification and
pixel A falls in the overlap between class 3 and class 7, it will be classified as class 3
because class 3 comes before class 7.
Reset This option resets the signature order to a positive increment from the lowest
value to the highest value.
Invert This option inverts the signature order from the highest value to the lowest
value.
Probabilities This popup list allows you to set the probability values for the signatures.
The values will be set for the selected signature(s) or all of the signatures. The probability
values are listed in the Prob. column of the Signature Editor.
Initialize This option sets the initial probability values to 1.0.
Normalize This option normalizes the probability values to a sum of 1.0.
Parallelepiped Limits... This option allows you to view and set the parallelepiped limits
for the current signature. The Set Parallelepiped Limits dialog is opened.
Layer Selection... This option lets you define which layers of the .img file are to be used
in other operations, such as classification or separability. The Layers To Use dialog is
opened.
Image Association... Use this option to define the source .img file for the signatures in
the Signature Editor. The Set Associated Image dialog is opened.
Extract from Thematic Layer... This option allows you to use classes in a thematic
raster layer to create new signatures. The Signature Extract from Layer dialog is
opened.
View Click on this menu to display a signature’s AOI, perform a signature alarm, or to view
signature attributes.
Image AOI Use this option to display the AOI in the Viewer for the current signature (if
one exists).
Image Alarm... This option allows you to perform a signature alarm in the Viewer. The
Signature Alarm dialog is opened.
Statistics... This option displays the univariate and covariance statistics for each layer
in the current signature. The Signature Statistics dialog is opened.
Mean Plots... Click to view a spectral profile of the mean data file value of each signature
in all bands of the image to be classified. The Signature Mean Plot dialog is opened.
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Signature Editor
Histograms... This option displays the histogram for the selected signature(s) in the
Signature Editor. The Histogram Plot Control Panel is opened.
Comments... This option opens the Signature Comments dialog. This utility allows you
to view and add comments for the current signature.
Columns... This option lets you specify which columns you want to appear in the
Signature Editor. The View Signature Columns dialog is opened.
Evaluate Click on this menu to select from options for evaluating the signatures in the
Signature Editor.
Separability... This option allows you to compute the statistical distance between
signatures. The Signature Separability dialog is opened.
Contingency... This option allows you to evaluate signatures that have been created
from areas of interest (AOI)s in the image and outputs a matrix of percentages. The
Contingency Matrix dialog is opened.
Feature Click on this menu to select from options for feature space imagery.
Create This popup menu allows you to create a feature space image from an .img file.
Feature Space Layers... This option allows you to create a feature space image(s)
from continuous raster layers in an .img file. The Create Feature Space Maps dialog
is opened.
Feature Space Thematic Layers... This option allows you to create a feature space
image(s) from a thematic raster layer in an .img file. The Thematic Feature Space
Maps dialog is opened.
View Use this popup list to perform the following tasks.
Select Viewer... Use this option to select the Viewer that is displaying the feature
space image. Subsequent operations requiring output to a feature space viewer will
use this selected Viewer.
Linked Cursors... Use this option to link the cursor in the image Viewer to the cursor
in the feature space viewer(s). The Linked Cursors dialog is opened.
View AOIs This option displays the feature space AOI for the current signature in the
feature space viewer.
Masking Use this popup list to open the masking utilities.
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Signature Editor
Image to Feature Space... This option lets you use a signature’s image AOI to be
generated as a mask in a feature space image. The Image to Feature Space
Masking dialog is opened.
Feature Space to Image... This option lets you use a signature’s feature space AOI
to be generated as a mask in an .img file. The Feature Space to Image Masking
dialog is opened.
Statistics Use this option to generate statistics for the feature space signature. The
feature space AOI will be masked to the .img file and the statistics will be based on the
pixels under the mask.
Objects... This option allows you to view graphs of signature statistics in a feature space
image so that you can compare signatures. The Signature Objects dialog is opened.
Classify Click on this menu to select from options for classifying the .img file.
Unsupervised... This option allows you to use the ISODATA algorithm to perform an
unsupervised classification. The Unsupervised Classification dialog is opened.
Supervised... This option allows you to perform a supervised classification. The

Supervised Classification dialog is opened.
➲ For more information on the minimum number of pixels required for a signature when using
Maximum Likelihood, see Supervised Classification.

Help for the Signature Editor Help for the Signature Editor.
Click to load an existing signature file (.sig or .sbd) into the Signature Editor. The Load
Signature File dialog is opened.
Click to open a new Signature Editor.
Click to create new signature(s) from the selected AOI. This is the same as the Add
option under the Edit menu.
Click to replace the current signature(s) with the selected AOI. This option is also
available as the Replace option under the Edit menu.
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Signature Editor
Click to merge the selected signatures. This option is also available as the Merge option
under the Edit menu.
Click to display the univariate and covariance statistics for each layer in the current
signature. The Signature Statistics dialog is opened. This option is also available as the
Statistics option under the View menu.
Click to view a spectral profile of the mean data file value of each signature in all bands
of the image to be classified. The Signature Mean Plot dialog is opened.
Click to display the histogram for the selected signature(s) in the Signature Editor. The
Histogram Plot Control Panel is opened. This option is also available as the Histogram
option under the View menu.
Move the current signature indicator “>” down one row in the Signature Editor.
Move the current signature indicator “>” up one row in the Signature Editor.
(CellArray) The Signature Editor CellArray displays all of the information for the
signatures in the Signature Editor. Use the standard CellArray tools to use this CellArray.
Right-hold in the Row column for the Row Selection popup. Right-hold on any column
heading for the Column Options popup.
Class # This column shows you the signature in the corresponding row. The numbering
is arbitrary.
> This symbol identifies the current signature.
Signature Name This name identifies the signature and is used as the class name in
the output thematic raster layer. The default signature name is CLASS <number>. You
can easily change the name by entering a new one in this column. Each signature name
must be unique.
Color This is the color for the signature and is used as the color for the class in the output
thematic raster layer as well as other signature visualization functions, such as alarms,
masking, ellipses, etc. Click to bring up the color popup list to change the color for the
signature. If you select Other, the Color Chooser dialog is opened.
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Signature Editor
Red This is the red value used to create the color for the signature and class.
Green This is the green value used to create the color for the signature and class.
Blue This is the blue value used to create the color for the signature and class.
Value This is the output classified class value for the signature. The output class value
does not necessarily need to be the class number of the signature. This value should be
a positive integer.
Order This is the order to process the signatures for order-dependent processes, such
as signature alarms and parallelepiped classifications. You can edit the order.
Count This is the number of pixels in the sample. You cannot edit this column. This
column will be empty for non-parametric signatures.
Prob. This is the probability (a priori) or weight of the signature to be used for functions
such as maximum likelihood and separability.
P This column identifies whether or not the signature is parametric (i.e., a mean vector
and covariance matrix exist). It is non-editable.
I This column identifies whether or not the covariance matrix can be inverted. This is
necessary for such functions as maximum likelihood and divergence. It is non-editable.
H This column identifies whether or not histograms exist for the signature. It is non-
editable.
A This column identifies whether or not the signature is associated with an area of
interest in the image. It is non-editable.
FS This column identifies whether or not the signature was created from a feature space
image and indicates the layer pair used. It is non-editable.
Interface manual.
evaluating, editing, and classifying parametric and non-parametric signatures.
➲ See the ERDAS IMAGINE Tour Guides manual for step-by-step instructions on using the
Signature Editor.
9
Load Signature File
Load Signature File

This dialog lets you load an existing signature file into the Signature Editor. If there are existing
signatures in the Signature Editor, this file can be appended to those signatures or it can
overwrite the signatures.
Left-hold File | Open in the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Signature Files: Use this file name part to enter the name of the signature file (.sig) to
open. This file can also be an ERDAS Version 7.5 signature file (.sbd).
File Type: Left-hold this popup list to specify the signature file type.
SIG Use this selection if the signature file was created in ERDAS IMAGINE.
SBD Use this selection if the signature file was created in ERDAS Ver. 7.5.
Replace If the Signature Editor contains signatures, then you need to specify how the
signatures in the file will be entered into the CellArray.
Turn on this check to have the new signatures replace the existing signatures.
Append Turn on this check box to have the new signatures be appended to the existing
signatures. If you append the new signatures, they must have the same number of layers as
the existing signatures in the Signature Editor. These appended signatures will also be
assigned unique names.
OK Left-click to run this process with the options selected and close this dialog.
Cancel Left-click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Help Left-click to see this On-Line Help document.
Interface manual.
➲ See the “Classification” chapter of the ERDAS Field Guide for more information on
➲ See the “Classification” section of the ERDAS IMAGINE Tour Guides for step-by-step
instructions on using the Signature Editor.
10
Save Signature File As
Save Signature File As

This dialog allows you to save the created signatures in the Signature Editor to a signature file
(.sig). This file can be later entered into the Signature Editor to be used with any classification
process.
Left-hold File/Save As... in the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Signature Files: Use this filename part to enter the name of the output signature file.
The .sig file extension will be added automatically.
Which Signatures: You need to specify which signatures will be output to the file.
All Turn on this check box to output all of the signatures in the Signature Editor to the
.sig file.
Selected Turn on this check box to output only the selected signatures in the Signature
Editor to the .sig file.
OK Click to run this process with the options selected and close this dialog.
Cancel Click to close this dialog and cancel the process.
Help Left-click to see this On-Line Help document.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
11
Report Signature
Report Signature
This dialog enables you to print a report of the statistics, histograms, and comments for
signatures in the Signature Editor. The report will be output to the PostScript printer specified in
the Preference Editor.
Select File | Report... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Statistics Turn on this check box to have statistical information for each layer in the
signature in the report.
Histograms Turn on this check box to have the histogram for each layer in the signature
in the report.
Comments Turn on this check box to have the comments for the signature in the report.
Current Signature Turn on this check box to have the report based on only the current
signature in the Signature Editor.
Selected Signatures Turn on this check box to have the report based on all selected
signatures in the Signature Editor.
All Signatures Turn on this check box to have the report based on all of the signatures
in the Signature Editor.
Cancel Click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
12
Set Signature Colors
Set Signature Colors

This dialog enables you to create an approximate true color scheme for all of the signatures
based on either the statistics or contrast tables for the image being classified.
Select Edit | Colors | Approximate True Colors... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open
this dialog.
Untitled NUMBER ( nbands )
Colors Based On: You need to turn on one of the check boxes below to define the basis
for generating the color scheme.
Statistics Click to have the color scheme for the signatures created from the statistics
of the .img file being classified.
Contrast Tables Click to have the color scheme for the signatures created from the
contrast tables of the .img file being classified. The .img file must have an existing contrast
table.
Layers to Colors: You need to define which layers of the .img file should be assigned
to the red, green, and blue colors.
Red Use this number field to specify which layer should be assigned to the red color gun.
Green Use this number field to specify which layer should be assigned to the green color
gun.
Blue Use this number field to specify which layer should be assigned to the blue color
gun.
Apply Click to apply the selected options.


Interface manual.
➲ For more information on evaluating, editing, and classifying parametric and non-parametric
signatures, see the “Classification” chapter in the ERDAS Field Guide.
Signature Editor.
13
Parallelepiped Limits
Parallelepiped Limits
This dialog enables you to view and set the lower and upper limits for the parallelepiped for each
signature. The limits for the current signature in the Signature Editor are shown in the CellArray.
The default limits are the minimum and maximum values for each layer in the signature.
Select Edit | Parallelepiped Limits... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open the Limits
CellArray.
Limits CellArray The Limits CellArray displays the lower and upper parallelepiped limits
for each layer in the signature. The limits can be changed in the CellArray.
Set... Click this button to set the limits based on the minimum/maximum or the mean of the
signature. The Set Parallelepiped Limits dialog is opened.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
14
Set Parallelepiped Limits
Set Parallelepiped Limits

This dialog enables you to view and set the lower and upper limits for the parallelepiped for each
signature. The limits for the selected signature in the Signature Editor are shown in the Limits
CellArray. The default limits are the minimum and maximum values for each layer in the
signature.
Select Edit | Parallelepiped Limits... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open the Limits
CellArray, then click the Set... button to open this dialog.
Method: You need to define the method for calculating the limits for each parallelepiped.
Minimum/Maximum Turn on this check box to have the minimum and maximum for
each layer in the signature be used as the parallelepiped limits.
Std. Deviation: Turn on this check box to have the mean of the signature plus and minus
the number of specified standard deviations to be used as the parallelepiped limits.
(Number of Std. Deviation) Use this number field to enter the number of standard
deviations to be used.
Signatures: You need to specify which signatures in the Signature Editor will have their
parallelepiped limits set by this process.
Current Turn on this check box to have the parallelepiped limits set only for the current
signature.
Selected Turn on this check box to have the parallelepiped limits set for the selected
signatures.
All Turn on this check box to have the parallelepiped limits set for all of the signatures.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
15
Layers To Use:
Layers To Use:
This dialog enables you to specify which layers of the .img file being classified that you want to
use in the classification process and with any Signature Editor function. The layers that you
select in the CellArray will be used.
Select Edit | Layer Selection... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Layer Select the layers that you want to use. You can shift-click to easily deselect layers
that you do not want to use.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
16
Set Associated Image
Set Associated Image

This dialog enables you to define the source image file (.img) for the signatures in the Signature
Editor.Select Edit | Image Association... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this
dialog.
Associated File Name: Use this filename part to enter the file name for the .img file to
which the signatures are associated. By default this is the image file from which the
signatures were created, but this can be changed by the user. The associated image is used
as the input image for many of the signature functions such as classification.
OK Click to accept the selected image and close this dialog.
Close Click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
17
Signature Extract from Layer
Signature Extract from Layer

This dialog enables you to create signatures from a thematic raster layer. Each class in the
thematic layer will become a signature. This utility outputs these signatures in a signature file
(.sig). This file can be entered into the Signature Editor.
Select Edit | Extract from Thematic Layer... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this
dialog.
Input Thematic File: Use this filename part to enter the name of the thematic raster
layer. The classes in this layer will become signatures. The default file extension is .img.
Output Signature File: Use this filename part to enter the name of the signature file
(.sig). This file contains the set of created signatures. You can enter this file into the Signature
Editor to edit and evaluate the signatures.
AOI ... Click to open the Choose AOI dialog. This dialog lets you select the area of the
thematic raster layer to be used in the process.

Interface manual.
➲ See theERDAS IMAGINE Tour Guides manual for step-by-step instructions on using the
Signature Editor.
18
Signature Alarm
Signature Alarm
This dialog enables you to highlight the pixels in the Viewer that belong to, or are estimated to
belong to, a class according to the parallelepiped decision rule. An alarm can be performed with
one or more signatures. If you do not have any signatures selected, then the active signature
(indicated by the “>”) will be used.
Select View | Image Alarm... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Indicate Overlap Turn on this check box to have the pixels which belong to more than
one class appear in the selected overlap color.
(overlap color) Click on this popup menu to select the color that will indicate overlap
areas.
Edit Parallelepiped Limits... Click to set the parallelepiped limits to be used for the
alarm. The Set Parallelepiped Limits dialog is opened.
OK Click to perform the alarm.
Close Click to cancel this process and close this dialog .

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
19
Signature Statistics
Signature Statistics
This dialog enables you to analyze the statistics for the layers for the current signature in the
Signature Editor. This information will help you to make your own evaluations and comparisons.
There are two CellArrays in this dialog, one for univariate statistics and the other for the
covariance matrix. Statistics can be generated for one signature at a time. The active signature
(indicated by the “>”) is used.
Select View | Statistics... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open the Statistics dialog.
Univariate CellArray This CellArray displays the minimum, maximum, mean, and
standard deviation for each layer in the current signature.
Covariance CellArray This CellArray displays the covariance matrix for all of the layers
in the signature.
Click to lock this dialog. This option will open a separate Statistics dialog when you want
to see the statistics for a different signature
Click to unlock the dialog. This option will write over the existing information when you
want to see the statistics for a different signature.
Interface manual.
➲ See the “Math Topics” Appendix in the ERDAS Field Guide for more information on
statistics.
20
Histogram Plot Control Panel
Histogram Plot Control Panel

This dialog enables you to specify the parameters for the displayed histogram. A histogram can
be created with one or more signatures. If you create a histogram for a single signature, then the
active signature, which is next to the “>” is used. If you create a histogram for multiple signatures,
then the selected signatures are used.
Select View | Histograms... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Plot Options: You need to set the following parameters for the displayed histogram.
Signatures: Use these check boxes to specify on which signature(s) you want the
histogram(s) to be based.
Single Signature Turn on this check box to display the histogram for the active
signature in the Signature Editor.
All Selected Signatures Turn on this check box to display a histogram for all of the
selected signatures in the Signature Editor. When you enable this check box, you need
to have more than one signature selected.
Bands: You need to specify on which band(s) the histogram(s) will be based.
Single Band Turn on this check box to display the histogram for a single band. Use
the Band No. option to define the band.
All Bands Turn on this check box to display a histogram for each band in the
signature(s).
Band No: Specify on which band the histogram will be based.
Auto Plot Turn on this check box to have the displayed histogram updated automatically
as you change the parameters.
Plot... Click to update the displayed histogram according to the defined parameters.
Print Options... Click to open the Histogram Print Options dialog. This dialog allows
you to output the histogram to a printer or annotation layer.

Interface manual.
21
Histogram Plot
Histogram Plot
This histogram framepart enables you to view the histogram(s) for the specified band of the
signature(s).
This dialog is opened in conjunction with the Histogram Plot Control Panel dialog.
Band Number: This label shows you on which band the histogram is based for the
signature(s).
Print Click to output the histogram to the defined printer or annotation layer in the
Histogram Print Options dialog.
Save Click to save this plot as a PostScript (UNIX only), text, or an annotation file. The
Save Histogram dialog is opened.
Click to lock this dialog. This option will open a separate Histogram dialog when you
want to see a histogram for a different band or signature.
want to see a histogram for a different band or signature.
Interface manual.
22
Histogram Print Options
Histogram Print Options

This dialog enables you to output the histogram to a PostScript (UNIX only) or text printer. When
you click the Print button in the Histogram dialog, this is where the histogram will be output.
Select Print Options... from the Histogram Plot Control Panel utility to open this dialog.
Print Options: Specify the format of the output.

Text Click to output the histogram to a text printer.
Postscript (UNIX only) Click to output the histogram to a PostScript printer.
Graphics (Windows only) Click to output the histogram graphic to the selected printer.

Interface manual.
23
Save Histogram
Save Histogram
This dialog enables you to save a histogram plot as a PostScript file (.ps extension), a text file
(.txt extension), or an annotation file (.ovr extension). It opens when you click Save... in the
Histogram Plot dialog.
Save As: Enter a name for the new file. The default extension will vary depending on the
type of file you are creating.
Type: Select the type of file to create.

Postscript Click to create a PostScript file. The default file extension is .ps.
Text Click to create a text file. This option produces an output only when you are saving
a single signature. It will not produce an output if you have multiple signatures in the
histogram plot. The default file extension is .txt.
Annotation Click to create an ERDAS IMAGINE annotation file. The default file
extension is .ovr.
OK Click to create the new file and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
24
Comments
Comments
This dialog enables you to view and add comments for the currently selected signature in the
Signature Editor. To add a comment about the active signature, place the cursor in the window
and begin typing. Any comments with an asterisk (*) next to them have been entered by the
software.
Select View | Comments... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Comments Place the cursor inside the window and begin typing to enter a comment
about the active signature in the Signature Editor.
Date Click to add the entry date for each comment.
Click to lock this dialog. This option will open a separate Signature Comments dialog
when you want to see the comments for a different signature.
want to see the comments for a different signature.
Interface manual.
25
View Signature Columns:
View Signature Columns:

This dialog enables you to specify which columns should be displayed in the Signature Editor
CellArray. The columns that you select will be the only columns that display in the CellArray.
Select View | Columns... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
(Column List CellArray) Select the columns that you want to appear in the Signature
Editor CellArray.
Statistics... Click to specify which statistical information you want to display in the
Signature Editor CellArray. The Column Statistics dialog is opened. A new column(s) will be
created for each option selected. This may be useful if you are using the signature statistics
as criteria for signature selection.
Apply Click to apply the options selected, including the statistics option, and close this
dialog.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
26
Column Statistics
Column Statistics
This dialog enables you to specify which statistical information you want to appear in the
Signature Editor CellArray. The statistics for the signatures are from the .img file being
classified.
Click the Statistics button in the View Signature Columns dialog to open this dialog.
Select Statistics: You need to select the type of statistics that you want to display in the
Signature Editor CellArray. For each option that you select, a new column(s) will be created
to contain the information.
Minimum Click to have the minimum statistics display in the Signature Editor CellArray
for each layer in the .img file being classified.
Maximum Click to have the maximum statistics display in the Signature Editor CellArray
for each layer in the .img file being classified.
Mean Click to have the mean statistics display in the Signature Editor CellArray for each
layer in the .img file being classified.
Std. Dev. Click to have the standard deviation statistics display in the Signature Editor
CellArray for each layer in the .img file being classified.
Low Limit Click to have the parallelepiped low limit statistics display in the Signature
Editor CellArray for each layer in the .img file being classified.
High Limit Click to have the parallelepiped high limit statistics display in the Signature
Editor CellArray for each layer in the .img file being classified.
Order By: You need to specify how the information will be presented in the Signature
Editor CellArray. It can be presented by layer or by statistic.
Layer Click to present all of the statistical information by layer. For example, the
minimum, maximum, and mean for layer one; then the minimum, maximum, and mean for
layer two.
Statistic Click to present all of the statistical information by statistic. For example, the
minimum for layer one, two, and three; the maximum for layer one, two, and three; and the
mean for layer one, two, and three.
27
Column Statistics
Interface manual.
statistics.
Signature Editor.
28
Signature Separability
This dialog enables you to compute the statistical distance between signatures. This distance
can be used to determine how distinct your signatures are from one another. This utility can also
be used to determine the best subset of layers to use in the classification. The distances are
based on the following formulas:
♦ Euclidean spectral distances between their means

♦ Divergence
♦ Transformed divergence
♦ Jefferies-Matusita distance
The Signature Separability utility can be performed with multiple signatures. If you do not have
any signatures selected, then all of the parametric signatures are used.
Select Evaluate | Separability... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Layers Per Combination: Enter the number of layers to be used for each combination.
Combinations: This label shows you the number of combinations based on the number
of layers per combination.
Pairs Per Combination: This label shows you the number of pairs per combination.
This number is based on the selected signatures in the Signature Editor.
Distance Measure: You need to specify the algorithm to use for calculating the signature
separability.
Euclidean Turn on this check box to base the separability on the Euclidean spectral
distances between the means of the signatures.
Divergence Turn on this check box to use the divergence algorithm for calculating the
separability.
Transformed Divergence Turn on this check box to use the transformed divergence
algorithm for calculating the separability.
Jefferies-Matusita Turn on this check box to use the Jeffries-Matusita distance

algorithm for calculating the separability.
Output Form: Specify the format to use for the output separability.
29
ASCII Turn on this check box to output an ASCII file. The separability listing will appear
in the IMAGINE Text Editor.
CellArray Turn on this check box to output a CellArray.
Report Type: If you selected to output an ASCII file, you must specify the type of report
to be output.
Summary Report Turn on this check box to output a summary of the report. The
summary will list the separability listings for only those band combinations with best
average and best minimum separability.
Complete Report Turn on this check box to output the entire report.
Which Listing: If you selected to output a CellArray, you must select whether to calculate
the average or minimum separability.
Best Average Turn on this check box to calculate the best average separability.
Best Minimum Turn on this check box to output the best minimum separability.
Use Class Probabilities Turn on this check box to use the probabilities specified in the
Signature Editor for each signature. These probabilities will be used as weight factors in
determining the best average and minimum separability. It does not effect the calculated
values directly.
OK Click to run this process with the options selected.

Interface manual.
➲ See the “Classification” chapter in the ERDAS Field Guide for more information on these
formulas and separability.
Signature Editor.
30
Contingency Matrix
Contingency Matrix
This dialog enables you to evaluate signatures that have been created from areas of interest
(AOIs) in the image. This utility classifies only the pixels in the image AOI training samples,
based on the signatures. It is usually expected that the pixels of an AOI would be classified to
the class that they train. However, the pixels of the AOI training sample only weight the statistics
of the signature. They are rarely so homogenous that every pixel actually becomes assigned to
the expected class. The Contingency Matrix utility can be performed with multiple signatures. If
you do not have any signatures selected, then all of the signatures are used.
The output of the Contingency Matrix utility is a matrix of percentages or pixel counts that allows
you to see how many pixels in each AOI training sample were assigned to each class. In theory,
each AOI training sample would be composed primarily of pixels which belong to its
corresponding signature class.
Select Evaluate | Contingency... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Decision Rules: You need to define how the AOI training samples will be classified. You
should use the same decision rule that will be used in the classification of the .img file.
Non-parametric Rule There are two different non-parametric decision rules:

parallelepiped and feature space. These rules do not use any statistics in classifying the
pixels. Either the pixel is in the region or it is not.
None Select this option to not use any non-parametric decision rules. The Overlap
Rule and Unclassified Rule will be shaded and inactive.
Parallelepiped Select this option to use the parallelepiped decision rule. All
signatures have a parallelepiped bounding box.
Feature Space Select this option to use the feature space decision rule. This rule
will be ignored for signatures without feature space definitions.
Overlap Rule If you use a non-parametric decision rule, then you need to determine
what will happen to a pixel when it falls into the overlap region of two or more
parallelepipeds or feature space AOIs.
Parametric Rule This option classifies pixels that fall into the overlap region by the
defined Parametric Rule. The pixel will be tested against the overlapping signatures
only. If neither of these signatures is parametric, then the pixel will be left unclassified.
If only one of the signatures is parametric, then the pixel will automatically be assigned
to that signature’s class.
Classify by Order This option classifies pixels that fall into the overlap region by the
order assigned to the signature. For example, if one of the signatures is second and
the other is fifth, then the pixel would be assigned to the second signature’s class.
31
Contingency Matrix
Unclassified This option leaves pixels that fall into the overlap region unclassified.
Unclassified Rule If you use a non-parametric decision rule, then you need to
determine what will happen to a pixel when it does not fall into one of the parallelepipeds
or feature space AOIs.
Parametric Rule This option will classify the pixel according to the defined
Parametric Rule. The pixel will be tested against all of the parametric signatures. If
none of the signatures is parametric, the pixel will be left unclassified.
Unclassified This option will leave the pixel unclassified.
Parametric Rule There are three different parametric decision rules: maximum
likelihood, Mahalanobis distance, and minimum distance. These rules use the statistics.
Maximum Likelihood The maximum likelihood decision rule is based on the

probability that a pixel belongs to a particular class. The basic equation assumes that
these probabilities are equal for all classes, and that the input bands have normal
distributions.
Mahalanobis Distance The Mahalanobis distance decision rule uses the

covariance matrix in the equation. Variance and covariance are figured in so that
clusters that are highly varied will lead to similarly varied classes, and vice versa.
Minimum Distance The minimum distance decision rule (also called spectral
distance) calculates the spectral distance between the measurement vector for the
candidate pixel and the mean vector for each signature.
Use Probabilities If you select the Maximum Likelihood parametric rule, then you
have the option to use the probabilities assigned to the signatures.
The Bayesian variation of the maximum likelihood classifier allows you to enter a priori
probabilities that weight particular signatures. By default, all signatures have equal
probability weights (values of one). To set the different weights, you need to enter them
into the Prob. (probability) column of the Signature Editor.
Pixel Counts Turn on this check box to include the number of pixels that were assigned
to each class in the matrix.
Pixel Percentages Turn on this check box to have the percentage of pixels that were
assigned to each class in the matrix.
32
Contingency Matrix

Interface manual.
➲ See the “Classification” chapter in the ERDAS Field Guide for more information on the
contingency matrix and decision rules.
Signature Editor.
33
Create Feature Space Images

This dialog enables you to generate a feature space image(s) from the continuous raster layers
in an .img file. A feature space image has the same file structure as an .img file. The image can
be either unsigned 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit. A feature space image can be used in any of the utilities
that an .img file can be used (e.g., the Viewer, Classification, Map Composer, Spatial Modeler,
etc.).
Select Feature | Create | Feature Space Layers... from the Signature Editor menu bar or click
Feature Space Image... in the Classification dialog to open this dialog.
Input Raster Layer: Enter the name of the input raster image file or click on the File
Selector button. The default file extension is .img.
The continuous raster layers in this file will be used to generate the feature space image. This
file must contain at least two layers.
i Use only multiple layer raster files as the Input Raster Layer in the Create Feature Space
Images dialog.
Output Root Name: Enter the name of the output file path and prefix or click on the File
Selector button. The .img extension is automatically added.
Levels Slice: You have the option to have the color scheme for the feature space
image(s) be a color or a gray scale level slice. Once the feature space image is created, the
colors can be changed with the Raster Attribute Editor.
Output To Viewer Turn on this check box to have a Viewer(s) automatically open and
display the feature space image(s).
Equalize Axes: If the input data are greater than 8-bit, you need to scale the input range.
Scale Turn on this check box to have the scale of each axis be equal (for layers with the
same data type and range).
Length Turn on this check box to have the length of each axis be equal, but with a
different scale in X and Y (for layers with different data types and/or ranges).
Axis Length: Use the number field to enter the length of the axis for the feature space
image.
Reverse Axes Click to reverse the X and Y axis layer assignments.
34
Feature Space Layers This CellArray lists all of the pair combinations that can be used
to create feature space images. If you do not want to create a feature space image for all of
these combinations, you can select the combinations in the CellArray that you want to use.
Batch Click to include this function in a batch file.
AOI ... Click to open the Choose AOI dialog. This dialog lets you select the only area of
the .img file to be used in the process.

Interface manual.
➲ See the “Classification” chapter in the ERDAS Field Guide for information on using feature
space images in the classification process.
➲ See the “Math Topics” Appendix in the ERDAS Field Guide for information on how a feature
space image is created.
35
Create Thematic Feature Space Images

This dialog enables you to transform a thematic raster layer into a feature space image. This is
useful for showing classification decision boundaries. The feature space image will use the same
color scheme as the classified thematic raster layer.
An existing feature space image must be used when generating a thematic feature space image.
The pixel transformation in the thematic feature space image will be the same as this feature
space image, but the values in the thematic feature space image will be provided from the source
thematic raster layer.
A thematic feature space image has the same file structure as an .img file. A thematic feature
space image can be used in any of the functions that an .img file can be used (e.g., the Viewer,
Classification, Map Composer, Spatial Modeler, etc.).
Conflicting Class Assignments

There may be conflicts when assigning a thematic value from another layer to a pixel position in
the feature space image. If the thematic layer was derived from the same layers defining the
feature space transform, these conflicts will be minimal or non-existent. If, however, the thematic
layer has no association with the feature space layer pair, then multiple class assignments will
be frequent. For example, a classification using only the feature space pair layers will not have
any conflicts, but a thematic layer of political boundaries will have several. This thematic layer
mapped to feature space will probably not provide any useful information.
Options exist for resolving these conflicting class assignments. They are:
♦ Histogram Max: assign the class value with largest count in the thematic layer
♦ Histogram Min: assign the class value with smallest count in the thematic layer
♦ Value Max: assign the class value with largest value in the thematic layer
♦ Value Min: assign the class value with smallest value in the thematic layer
♦ First Assignment: assign the class value which is first encountered
♦ Last Assignment: assign the class value which is last encountered
♦ Conflict Class: assign the class value to a unique class
Select Feature | Create | Feature Space Thematic Layers... from the Signature Editor menu
bar or click Feature Space Thematic... in the Classification dialog to open this dialog.
Thematic Input File: Enter the name of the input thematic image or click on the File
36
The thematic raster layer in this file will be used to generate the feature space image.
Feature Space Files: An existing feature space image must be used when generating
a thematic feature space image. Enter the name of the feature space file (.fsp.img extension)
or click on the File Selector button.
The pixel transformation in the thematic feature space image will be the same as this feature
space image, but the values in the thematic feature space image will be provided from the
source thematic layer.
Output Root Name: Enter the name of the output file path and prefix or click on the File
Resolve Multiple Class Assignments By: Click on this popup list to specify how
a pixel will be defined if it was assigned to multiple classes.
Histogram Maximum Assign to the class with the largest count in the thematic layer.
Histogram Minimum Assign to the class with the smallest count in the thematic layer.
Value Maximum Assign to the class with the largest value in the thematic layer.
Value Minimum Assign to the class with the smallest value in the thematic layer.
First Assigned Assign to the class which was first encountered.
Last Assigned Assign to the class which was last encountered.
Assign to Conflict Class Assign to a unique class.
Thematic Feature Space Layers This CellArray lists all of the thematic feature
space layers. If you do not want to create a thematic feature space image for all of these
layers, you can select a subset that you want to use.
FS Image This column lists the arbitrary row number in the CellArray.
Input FS Image This column lists the input feature space images that have been
selected.
Output Thematic FS Image This column lists the output thematic feature space file
names.
Batch Click to include this function in the Batch Wizard.
37

Interface manual.
➲ See the “Classification” chapter in the ERDAS Field Guide for information on using feature
space images in the classification process.
➲ See the “Math Topics” Appendix in the ERDAS Field Guide for information on how a feature
space image is created.
38
Linked Cursors
Linked Cursors
This dialog enables you to directly link a cursor in the image Viewer to the feature space
Viewer(s). This utility will show you where pixels in the .img file appear in the feature space
image. Due to the nature of the transformation, the cursor can be driven only from the image
Viewer and transformed/linked in the feature space Viewer(s). A pixel in the feature space
Viewer cannot be mapped uniquely to the image.
Select Feature | View | Linked Cursors... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this
dialog.
Select Feature Space Viewers You need to specify which feature space Viewer(s)
will display the linked cursor. The cursor can appear in one or all of the feature space Viewers.
All Feature Space Viewers Turn on this check box to have the linked cursor appear in
all of the previously selected feature space Viewers.
Viewer: Use the number field to enter the number of the feature space Viewer in which
you want the linked cursor to appear.
Select... Click this button, then click in the feature space Viewer in which you want the
linked cursor to appear.
Set Cursor Colors You have the option to change the color of the cursor that will appear
in the image Viewer and feature space Viewer(s). You should select a color that will prevent
the cursor from blending in with the imagery.
Image: Hold on the button to select the color for the cursor in the image Viewer.
Feature Space: Hold on the button to select the color for the cursor in the feature space
Viewer(s).
Image Cursor Color: Hold on the button to select the color for the feature space cursors.
Link Click to link the cursors, then you may need to click in the Viewer displaying the .img
file.
Unlink Click to unlink the cursors.

Interface manual.
39
Linked Cursors
Signature Editor.
40
Image to FS Masking
Image to FS Masking
This dialog enables you to use a signature’s image AOI to generate a mask in a feature space
image. Once a mask is defined, the pixels under the mask will be identified and highlighted in the
feature space image in the signature’s color attribute. A mask can be generated from one or
more image signatures. If you do not have any signatures selected, then the active signature
(indicated by the “>”) is used.
The feature space image opened in the Viewer must have been created from the image being
used.
Select Feature | Masking | Image to Feature Space... from the Signature Editor menu bar to
open this dialog.
Select Feature Space Viewers You need to define which Feature Space Viewer(s)
should be used to display the mask. This Viewer must contain the feature space image that
was created from the image being used.
All Feature Space Viewers Click to display the mask in all of the previously selected
Viewers displaying a feature space image.
Viewer: Use this number field to specify the number of the Viewer to display the mask.
This Viewer must contain a feature space image.
Select... Click inside the Viewer where you want to display the mask. This Viewer must
contain a feature space image.
Indicate Overlap Click to have the pixels which belong to more than one image AOI to
appear in the selected overlap color.
(overlap color) Hold on this popup menu to select the color that will indicate overlap
areas.
Apply Click to run this process with the options selected.

Interface manual.
41
Image to FS Masking
Signature Editor.
42
FS to Image Masking
FS to Image Masking
This dialog enables you to use a signature’s feature space AOI to generate a mask in an .img
file. Once the signature is defined as a mask, the pixels under the mask will be identified in the
image file and highlighted in the Viewer in the signature’s color attribute. This allows you to
preview how a feature space signature would be classified. A mask can be generated from one
or more feature space signatures. If you do not have any signatures selected, then the active
signature (indicated by the “>”) is used.
The image opened in the Viewer must be the image from which the feature space image was
created.
Select Feature | Masking | Feature Space to Image... from the Signature Editor menu bar to
open this dialog.
Indicate Overlap Click to have the pixels which belong to more than one feature space
signature appear in the selected overlap color.
(overlap color) Hold on this popup menu to select the color that will indicate overlap
areas.
Apply Click to run this process with the options selected.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
43
Signature Objects
Signature Objects
This dialog enables you to create and view graphs of signature parameters so that you can
compare signatures. The graphs appear as sets of ellipses in a feature space image. Each
ellipse is based on the mean and standard deviation of one signature. This utility also allows you
to show the mean for the signature for the two bands (layers), a parallelepiped box, and a label.
By comparing the ellipses for all signatures for one band pair, you can easily see if two or more
signatures represent similar groups of pixels, by seeing where the ellipses overlap on the feature
space image.
♦ When ellipses do not overlap, then the signatures may represent distinct sets of pixels in the
two bands being plotted, which is desirable for classification. However, some overlap is
expected because it is rare that all classes are totally distinct.
♦ When the ellipses do overlap, then the signatures may represent similar pixels, which may
not be desirable for classification.
A graph can be generated for one or more signatures. If you do not have any signatures selected,
then the active signature (indicated by the “>”) is used.
Select Feature | Objects... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
Select Feature Space Viewers You need to define which Feature Space Viewers
should be used to display the ellipse(s).
All Feature Space Viewers Click to display the ellipse(s) in all of the previously selected
Viewers displaying a feature space image.
Viewer: Specify the number of the Viewer to display the ellipse(s). This Viewer must
contain a feature space image.
Select... Click inside the Viewer where you want to display the ellipse(s). This Viewer
must contain a feature space image.
Plot Ellipses Turn on this check box to plot an ellipse for the selected signature(s)
statistics.
Std. Dev.: Enter the number of standard deviations from the mean of each signature in
each layer, with which the feature space object will be plotted.
Plot Rectangles Click to plot a parallelepiped box for the selected signature(s) statistics.
Plot Means Click to plot the mean for the selected signature(s) statistics.
Label Click for each plot to have its class name displayed.
44
Signature Objects
Save As Annotation Layer... Click to open the Save Objects As dialog. This dialog
allows you to save the created feature space objects as an annotation layer (.ovr).

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
45
Save Objects As
Save Objects As
This dialog enables you to save the created feature space objects as an annotation layer (.ovr).
This layer can be used with the Map Composer utility and with any other utilities for annotation
layers.
Click Save As Annotation Layer... in the Feature Space Objects dialog to open this dialog.
Annotation Files: Use this filename part to enter the name of the output annotation
layer. This .ovr extension will be added automatically.
OK Click to create an annotation file and close this dialog.
Cancel Click to cancel the process and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
Signature Editor.
46
Unsupervised Classification (from Signature Editor)

Select Classify | Unsupervised... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this dialog.
ERDAS IMAGINE uses the ISODATA algorithm to perform an unsupervised classification.

ISODATA stands for “Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique.” It is iterative in that it
repeatedly performs an entire classification (outputting a thematic raster layer) and recalculates
statistics. “Self-Organizing” refers to the way in which it locates the clusters that are inherent in
the data.
The ISODATA clustering method uses the minimum spectral distance formula to form clusters.
It begins with either arbitrary cluster means or means of an existing signature set, and each time
the clustering repeats, the means of these clusters are shifted. The new cluster means are used
for the next iteration.
The ISODATA utility repeats the clustering of the image until either:
♦ a maximum number of iterations has been performed, or

♦ a maximum percentage of unchanged pixels has been reached between two iterations.
The output file will have a gray scale color scheme if the initial cluster means are arbitrary. If the
initial cluster means are from an existing signature set, then the output file will use the colors of
this signature set. You can use the Raster Attribute Editor to change the color scheme.
Output Cluster Layer Click to generate and output a classified cluster (thematic) layer
(.img).
Filename: Enter the name of the output cluster layer file or click on the File Selector
button. The .img extension is automatically added.
Output Signature Set Click to generate and output a signature file (.sig).
Filename: Enter the name of the output signature set file or click on the File Selector
button. The .sig extension is automatically added.
Clustering Options: You need to define how the clusters will be generated.
Initialize from Statistics Turn on this check box to generate arbitrary clusters from the
file statistics for the entire .img file or defined AOI.
Use Signature Means Turn on this check box to use only the selected signatures in the
Signature Editor to generate the clusters. The number of classes created will equal the
number of selected signatures.
Number of Classes: Enter the number of classes to be created.
47
Initializing Options... Click to set specific statistics parameters. The File Statistics
Options dialog is opened.
Color Scheme Options... Click to set specific output color schemes. The Output Color
Scheme Options dialog is opened.
Processing Options: Use the following text number frameparts to specify the
processing options.
Maximum Iterations: Enter the number of maximum times that the ISODATA utility
should recluster the data. This parameter prevents this utility from running too long, or
from potentially getting “stuck” in a cycle without reaching the convergence threshold.
Convergence Threshold: The convergence threshold is the maximum percentage of

pixels whose cluster assignments can go unchanged between iterations. This threshold
prevents the ISODATA utility from running indefinitely.
By specifying a convergence threshold of .95, you would specify that as soon as 95% or
more of the pixels stay in the same cluster between one iteration and the next, the utility
should stop processing. In other words, as soon as 5% or fewer of the pixels change
clusters between iterations, the utility will stop processing.
Skip Factors: For faster (although less accurate) processing, you can enter an X and
Y skip factor.
X: Enter the X skip factors to use when processing. Entering a 1 will process all pixels,
2 will process every other pixel, 3 every third pixel, and so forth.
Y: Enter the Y skip factors to use when processing. Entering a 1 will process all pixels,
2 will process every other pixel, 3 every third pixel, and so forth.
Classify zeros Turn on this check box to include zero values in the classification.

Interface manual.
48
ISODATA algorithm.
Signature Editor.
49
File Statistics Options (from Signature Editor)
File Statistics Options (from Signature Editor)

This dialog enables you to set specific statistics parameters.
This dialog is opened when you click Initializing Options... in the Unsupervised Classification
dialog.
Initialize Means Along: Specify which axis through the data space to use for initializing
class means.
Diagonal Axis Means are computed to be along a diagonal vector and are evenly
distributed within the scaling range for each layer.
Principal Axis Means are computed to be along the first principal component vector
and are evenly distributed within the scaling range for the first principal component.
Scaling Range: Select the scaling range mode for computing initial class means.
Std. Deviations: Enter the number of standard deviations to use for scaling. The
number of classes requested are distributed evenly within this range along the axis
specified above. A higher number of standard deviations initialized more class means in
the tails of the distribution.
Automatic This option will automatically compute the scaling range based on the
number of classes requested and the assumption that the data are normally distributed.
The more classes requested, the wider the scaling range will be.
Close Click to use these options and close this dialog.
Help Click to see this On-Line Help dialog.

Interface manual.
ISODATA algorithm.
50
Supervised Classification (from Signature Editor)

Select Classify | Supervised... from the Signature Editor menu bar to open this Supervised
Classification dialog.
The decision rules for the supervised classification process are multi-level:
♦ non-parametric
♦ parametric
If you have both non-parametric and parametric signatures, then you must decide which decision
rules apply for both situations.
Non-parametric
If the signature is non-parametric (i.e., feature space AOI), then the following decision rules are
offered:
♦ feature space
♦ parallelepiped
With non-parametric signatures you must also decide the overlap rule and the unclassified rule.
NOTE: All signatures have a non-parametric definition due to their parallelepiped boundaries.
Parametric
For parametric signatures the following decision rules are provided:
♦ maximum likelihood
♦ Mahalanobis distance
♦ minimum distance
The Supervised Classification utility outputs a thematic raster layer (.img extension) and
optionally a distance file (.img extension). The distance file can be used for post-classification
thresholding.
Output File: Enter the name of the classified output layer file or click on the File Selector
Attribute Options... Click this button to open the Attribute Options dialog. This dialog
lets you specify which statistical information, based on the signatures, is in the output
thematic raster layer.
51
Output Distance File Turn on this check box to generate and output a distance file
(.img). This file can be used with the Threshold utility.
Filename: Enter the name of the output distance file or click on the File Selector button.
The .img extension is automatically added.
Fuzzy Classification: Click this checkbox to perform a fuzzy classification. A fuzzy

classification consists of a multi-layer classification output file and optional distance file. Layer
1 contains class values for the best classification, Layer 2 with the second best, and so on.
The number of class layers to compute is specified in the Best Classes Per Pixel number field.
Best Classes Per Pixel Use this number field to specify the number of classes to
compute for each pixel in the classification. A corresponding number of layers will exist in
the output classification file and distance file.
Decision Rules: You need to define how the pixels will be classified.
Non-parametric Rule: There are two different non-parametric decision rules:
Parallelepiped Select this option to use the parallelepiped decision rule.
Feature Space Select this option to use the feature space decision rule.
Overlap Rule: If you use a non-parametric decision rule, then you need to determine
52
Unclassified Rule: If you use a non-parametric decision rule, then you need to
Parametric Rule This option will classify the pixel according to the Parametric Rule
selected below. The pixel will be tested against all of the parametric signatures. If none
of the signatures is parametric, the pixel will be left unclassified.
Parametric Rule: There are three different parametric decision rules: maximum

distributions.

Use Probabilities If you select the Maximum Likelihood parametric rule, then you have
the option to use the probabilities assigned to the signatures.
into the prob. (probability) column of the Signature Editor.
AOI ... Click to open the Choose AOI dialog. This dialog lets you select the area of the
.img file to be used in the classification process.
Cancel Click to close this dialog.
53
Interface manual.
supervised classification and the decision rules.
Signature Editor.
54
Attribute Options (from Signature Editor)

This dialog enables you to specify which statistical information for the signatures you want to be
in the output classified layer. The statistics are based on the data file values for each layer for
the signatures, not the entire classified .img file. This information will display in the Raster
Attribute Editor.
Click the Attribute Options... button in the Supervised Classification dialog to open this
dialog.
Signature Statistics: You need to select the type of statistics that you want to be in the
output classified .img file. For each option that you select, a new column(s) will be created to
contain the information in the Raster Attribute Editor CellArray.
Minimum Click to include the minimum statistics for the signatures in the output .img file.
Maximum Click to include the maximum statistics for the signatures in the output .img
file.
Mean Click to include the mean statistics for the signatures in the output .img file.
Std. Dev. Click to include the standard deviation statistics for the signatures in the output
.img file.
Low Limit Click to include the parallelepiped low limit statistics for the signatures in the
output .img file.
High Limit Click to include the parallelepiped high limit statistics for the signatures in
the output .img file.
Order By: You need to specify how the information will be presented in the Raster
Attribute Editor CellArray. It can be presented by layer or by statistic.
Layer Click to present all of the statistical information by layer. For example, the
minimum, maximum, and mean for layer one; then the minimum, maximum, and mean for
layer two.
Statistic Click to present all of the statistical information by statistic. For example, the
minimum for layer one, two, and three; the maximum for layer one, two, and three; and the
mean for layer one, two, and three.
55
Interface manual.
statistics.
Signature Editor.
56
Unsupervised Classification
Select Unsupervised Classification... from the Classification menu to open this dialog.

the data.

Input Raster File: Enter the name of the input image file to cluster or click on the File
Input Signature File: Enter the name of the input signature set file or click on the File
Selector button. The default file extension is .sig.
Output Cluster Layer Turn on this check box to generate and output a classified
thematic raster layer (.img).
Filename: Enter the name of the output cluster layer file or click on the File Selector
Output Signature Set Turn on this check box to generate and output a signature file
(.sig).
Filename: Enter the name of the output signature set file or click on the File Selector
button. The .sig extension is automatically added.
57
Initialize from Statistics Turn on this check box to generate arbitrary clusters from the
file statistics for the entire .img file or defined AOI.
Use Signature Means Turn on this check box to use only the selected signatures in the
Signature Editor to generate the clusters. The number of classes created will equal the
number of selected signatures.
Initializing Options... Click this button to access options for initializing cluster means.
The File Statistics Options dialog is opened.
Color Scheme Options... Click this button to access options for setting the output color
scheme.
Processing Options: Use the following number fields to specify the processing options.
Convergence Threshold: Specify the convergence threshold. The convergence

threshold is the maximum percentage of pixels whose cluster assignments can go
unchanged between iterations. This threshold prevents the ISODATA utility from running
indefinitely.
Classify zeros Include zeros in the classification.
Skip Factors: For faster (although less accurate) processing you can enter an X and Y
skip factor.
X: Enter the X skip factors to use when processing. Entering a 1 will process all
pixels, 2 will process every other pixel, 3 every third pixel, and so forth.
Y: Enter the Y skip factors to use when processing. Entering a 1 will process all
58
AOI... Click to open the Choose AOI dialog. This dialog lets you select the only area of the
.img file to be used in the process.

Interface manual.
ISODATA algorithm.
59
File Statistics Options
File Statistics Options

This dialog enables you to establish the method for generating initial starting means for isodata.
dialog.
class means.

Interface manual.
ISODATA algorithm.
60
Output Color Scheme Options
Output Color Scheme Options

This dialog enables you to choose whether you want an output color scheme to be grayscale or
approximate true color. This dialog opens when you select Color Scheme Options... from the
Unsupervised Classification dialog.
Grayscale Click to make the output color scheme grayscale.
Approximate True Color Click to make the output color scheme approximate true
color.
Red: Enter the layer number for the red color band.
Green: Enter the layer number for the green color band.
Blue: Enter the layer number for the blue color band.
Close Click to close this dialog and accept your changes.
Help Click to view the On-Line Help for this dialog.

Interface manual.
61
Supervised Classification
Select Supervised Classification from the Classification menu to open this Supervised
Classification dialog.
The decision rules for the supervised classification process are multi-level:
♦ non-parametric
♦ parametric
If you have both non-parametric and parametric signatures, then you must decide which decision
rules will apply for both situations.
Non-parametric
If the signature is non-parametric (i.e., feature space AOI), then the following decision rules are
offered:
♦ feature space
♦ parallelepiped
With non-parametric signatures you must also decide the overlap rule and the unclassified rule.
NOTE: All signatures have a non-parametric definition due to their parallelepiped boundaries.
Parametric
For parametric signatures the following decision rules are provided:
♦ maximum likelihood
♦ Mahalanobis distance
♦ minimum distance
The Supervised Classification utility outputs a thematic raster layer (.img extension) and
optionally a distance file (.img extension). The distance file can be used for post-classification
thresholding.
Input Raster File: Enter the name of the input layer to classify or click on the File
Input Signature File: Enter the name of the input signature set file to process or click
on the File Selector button. The default file extension is .sig.
62
Classified File(s): Enter the name of the Classified output layer file or click on the File
Attribute Options... Click to open the Attribute Options dialog. This dialog lets you
specify which statistical information, based on the signatures, will be in the output thematic
raster layer.
Distance File(s) Turn on this check box to generate and output a distance file (.img). This
file can be used with the Threshold and Fuzzy Classification utilities.
Filename: Enter the name of the output distance file or click on the File Selector button.
The .img extension is automatically added.
Fuzzy Classification: Click this checkbox to perform a fuzzy classification. A fuzzy

classification consists of a multi-layer classification output file and optional distance file. Layer
1 contains class values for the best classification, Layer 2 with the second best, and so on.
The number of class layers to compute is specified in the Best Classes Per Pixel number field.
Best Classes Per Pixel Use this number field to specify the number of classes to
compute for each pixel in the classification. A corresponding number of layers will exist in
the output classification file and distance file.
Decision Rules: You need to define how the pixels will be classified.
Non-parametric Rule: There are two different non-parametric decision rules:
Parallelepiped Select this option to use the parallelepiped decision rule.
Feature Space Select this option to use the feature space decision rule.
Overlap Rule: If you use a non-parametric decision rule, then you need to determine
63
Unclassified Rule: If you use a non-parametric decision rule, then you need to
Parametric Rule This option will classify the pixel according to the Parametric Rule
selected below. The pixel will be tested against all of the parametric signatures. If none
of the signatures is parametric, the pixel will be left unclassified.
Parametric Rule: There are three different parametric decision rules: maximum

distributions.

Use Probabilities If you select the Maximum Likelihood parametric rule, then you
have the option to use the probabilities assigned to the signatures.
into the Prob. (probability) column of the Signature Editor.
64
the .img file to be used in the classification process.

Interface manual.
supervised classification and the decision rules.
➲ See the ERDAS IMAGINE Tour Guides manual for step-by-step instructions on
classification.
65
Attribute Options
Attribute Options
This dialog enables you to specify which statistical information for the signatures you want to be
in the output classified layer. The statistics are based on the data file values for each layer for
the signatures, not the entire classified .img file. This information will display in the Raster
Attribute Editor.
Click the Attribute Options... button in the Supervised Classification dialog to open this
dialog.
Signature Statistics: You need to select the type of signature statistics that you want
to be in the output classified .img file. For each option that you select, a new column(s) will
be created to contain the information in the Raster Attribute Editor.
Minimum Click to include the minimum statistics for the signatures in the output .img file.
Maximum Click to include the maximum statistics for the signatures in the output .img
file.
Mean Click to include the mean statistics for the signatures in the output .img file.
Std. Dev. Click to include the standard deviation statistics for the signatures in the output
.img file.
Low Limit Click to include the parallelepiped low limit statistics for the signatures in the
output .img file.
High Limit Click to include the parallelepiped high limit statistics for the signatures in
the output .img file.
Order By: You need to specify how the information will be presented in the Raster
Attribute Editor CellArray. It can be presented by layer or by statistic.
Layer Turn on this check box to present all of the statistical information by layer. For
example, the minimum, maximum, and mean for layer one; then the minimum, maximum,
and mean for layer two.
Statistic Turn on this check box to present all of the statistical information by statistic.
For example, the minimum for layer one, two, and three; the maximum for layer one, two,
and three; and the mean for layer one, two, and three.
66
Attribute Options
Interface manual.
statistics.
67
Threshold
Threshold
This dialog enables you to refine a classification that was performed using the Supervised
Classification utility by determining which pixels in the new thematic raster layer are most likely
to be incorrectly classified.
A distance threshold can be set for each class to screen out the pixels that probably do not
belong to that class. For all pixels whose distance file values are greater than a threshold that
you set, the class value in the thematic raster layer is set to zero.
The threshold can be set:
♦ with numeric input, using chi-square statistics or Euclidean spectral distance, or

♦ interactively, by viewing the histogram of one class in the distance file, while using the mouse
to indicate the threshold on the histogram graph.
The chi-square table is built-in and you can enter any value for confidence interval—the chi-
square value is computed automatically.
Click Threshold... in the Classification dialog to open the Threshold dialog.
Distance Image File
The actual values in the distance image file depend upon the classification method used. The
values are 32-bit floating point.
♦ If the classification was minimum distance, then each data file value in the distance file is the
Euclidean spectral distance between the corresponding pixel in the input continuous raster
layer file (.img) and the mean of the signature to which it was classified.
♦ If the classification was Mahalanobis distance or maximum likelihood, then each data file
value in the distance file is the Mahalanobis distance between the corresponding pixel in the
input continuous raster layer file (.img) and the signature to which it was classified.
In the distance image file, pixels with higher data file values are most likely to be incorrectly
classified since the Euclidean or Mahalanobis distance from the pixel to the signature mean is
relatively large.
Distance File Histograms
The distance file histograms usually approximate a chi-square distribution. Normally, there are
many pixels with a distance image file at or near 0, indicating that the pixels are likely to be
classified correctly. A histogram is generated for each class in the classified image file.
68
Threshold
The tail of the distance histogram represents a relatively lower number of pixels with higher
values in the distance image file. Since the Mahalanobis or Euclidean distance from these pixels
to the mean of the closest signature is large, these pixels are most likely to be incorrectly
classified.
Thresholding allows you to “cut off the tail” of this histogram, eliminating the pixels from each
class with the highest distance values.
Output File
The pixels that are thresholded are set to class zero. The thresholded file can either be displayed
in the Viewer or be sent to a new file. If you display the file over the classified image file, you can
use the Flicker... dialog from the Viewer Utility menu to see how the classes were thresholded.
File Select this menu to open files and to save the data in the Threshold CellArray.
Open... Use this option to open the thematic raster layer (.img) and the distance image
file (.img) to use with the Threshold utility. The Open Files dialog is opened.
Save Table This option allows you to save the data in the current Threshold CellArray
to the classified image file.
Close This option closes the Threshold utility.
View Select this menu to perform the following options.

Select Viewer... Use this option to click in the Viewer that is displaying the classified
image file (.img) that you are using in the threshold process.
View Colors Select from this popup list to define the colors for the thresholded pixels.
Default Colors Use this option to have the thresholded pixels appear black and the
pixels that will remain in the file to appear in their classified color.
Custom Colors... Use this option to define a color for the thresholded pixels and to
define a color for the pixels that will remain in the file. Only two colors will appear in the
thresholded image when you use this option. The View Colors dialog is opened.
Set Select this menu to define which classes in the CellArray are used when the
Parameters are set manually.
Current This option will modify the parameters for the current class in the CellArray.
Selection This option will modify the parameters for all of the selected classes in the
CellArray.
All This option will modify the parameters for all of the classes in the CellArray.
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Threshold
Histograms Select this menu to compute, load, save, and view distance histograms.
Compute... This option allows you to compute a distance histogram for the classified
image file. Each class will have its own distance histogram.
Load... This option allows you to load an existing distance histogram for the classified
image into the Threshold CellArray. The Load Distance Histogram dialog is opened.
Save... This option allows you to save the distance histogram to a user-defined file. The
Save Distance Histogram dialog is opened.
View... This option allows you to display the distance histogram for the current class in
the CellArray. The Distance Histogram dialog is opened.
Process Select this menu to threshold the classified image file.

To File... This option outputs the thresholded image to a file. The Threshold to File
dialog is opened for you to define a file name for this file.
To Viewer This option displays the thresholded image in the defined Viewer only.
Use/Remove AOI... This option allows you to define which AOI, if any, will be used in
the thresholding process. The Choose AOI dialog is opened.
Click to open the thematic raster layer (.img) and the distance image file (.img) to use
with the Threshold utility. The Open Files dialog is opened.
Click to display the distance histogram for the current class in the CellArray. The
Distance Histogram dialog is opened.
Click to select the Viewer that is displaying the classified image file (.img) that you are
using in the threshold process.
(Threshold CellArray) Use the Threshold CellArray to enter chi-square values.

Class This column displays the class number for the classes.
> This prompt defines which class is currently active in the CellArray.
Class Name This column displays the names assigned to the classes.
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Threshold
Chi-Square This column displays the chi-square values for each class. You can edit this
column and enter the threshold values manually.
Parameters: Use the following parameters to define the chi-square values.

Confidence Level: If you performed a maximum likelihood or Mahalanobis distance
classification then this number field is opened. Enter the percentage of the pixels that you
expect to be incorrectly classified for the active class(es). This number will define the chi-
square value. Confidence levels over 50% (.5) tend to screen out most of the pixels in a
classification unless there are a large number of classes.
Chi-Square: Use this number field to enter in the chi-square value for the active
class(es).
Distance Threshold If you performed a minimum distance classification, then you

can enter a distance threshold for numeric input. To input an appropriate distance
threshold may require a trial-and-error analysis, or your expert knowledge of the
classified data and the signature statistics that were used in the classification. Use the
number field to enter in a value for the distance threshold.
#Bands: This label shows you the number of bands (layers) that were used in the
classification process.
Classification Type: This label shows you the type of classification decision rule
that was used to perform the classification. If the image was not classified in ERDAS
IMAGINE, then you will need to use this popup list to define the classification method.
The following classification decision rules are supported:
Minimum Distance
Maximum Likelihood
Mahalanobis
Interface manual.
➲ See the “Classification” chapter in the ERDAS Field Guide for more information about
thresholding.
71
View Colors
View Colors
This dialog enables you to define the colors for the pixels that have been thresholded.
Select View | View Colors | Custom Colors... from the Threshold dialog menu bar to open this
dialog.
Input Color: Hold on this popup list to select the color for the pixels that have not been
thresholded. These pixels will remain in the thematic raster layer.
Output Color: Hold on this popup list to select the color for the pixels that have been
thresholded. These pixels will be removed from the thematic raster layer.

Interface manual.
thresholding.
72
Distance Histogram
Distance Histogram
The histogram of the distance file usually approximates a chi-square distribution. Normally, there
are many pixels with a distance image file at or near 0, indicating that the pixels are likely to be
classified correctly. A histogram is generated for each class in the classified image file.
The tail of the histogram represents a relatively lower number of pixels with higher values in the
distance image file. Since the Mahalanobis or Euclidean distance from these pixels to the mean
of the closest signature is large, these pixels are most likely to be incorrectly classified.
Thresholding allows you to “cut off the tail” of this histogram, eliminating the pixels from each
class with the highest distance values.
Define Threshold in Histogram
This dialog enables you to interactively “cut the tail” from the histogram of the distance image file
for each class. The histogram is opened for the active class in the Threshold CellArray.
Drag the arrow on the X axis to move it to set the threshold for the histogram. As you move the
arrow, the chi-square values will change for the current class in the Threshold CellArray.
Thresholding Tips
The following illustrations show some sample distance histograms. With each example is an
explanation of what the curve might mean and how to threshold it.
73
Distance Histogram
Smooth chi-square shape - try to find the

“breakpoint” where the curve becomes more
horizontal, and cut off the tail.
Minor mode(s) (peaks) in the curve probably

indicate that the class picked up other features that
were not represented in the signature. You will
probably want to threshold these features out.
Not a good class. The signature for this class

probably represented a polymodal (multi-peaked)
distribution.
Peak of the curve is shifted from 0. Indicates that the

signature mean is off-center from the pixels it
represents. You may need to take a new signature
and re-classify.
Select Histograms | View... from the Threshold dialog menu bar to open this dialog.
Histogram Distance histogram for the active class in the Threshold CellArray.

Interface manual.
thresholding.
74
Load Distance Histogram
Load Distance Histogram

This dialog allows you to load an existing histogram file for the distance image into the Threshold
CellArray.
Select Histograms | Load... from the Threshold dialog menu bar to open this dialog.
Histogram File: Use this filename part to enter the name of the distance histogram file
that exists. The default file extension is .sig.

Interface manual.
thresholding.
75
Save Distance Histogram
Save Distance Histogram

This dialog enables you to define a file name for the distance histogram. The histogram will be
saved to this file.
Select Histograms | Save... from the Threshold dialog menu bar to open this dialog.
Histogram File: Use this filename part to enter the name of the distance histogram file.
The histograms will be saved to this file. The .sig extension will be added automatically.
Cancel Click to cancel this process and close this dialog .

Interface manual.
thresholding.
76
Open Files
Open Files
This dialog allows you to define the classified image to be thresholded and its corresponding
distance image file.
Select File | Open... from the Threshold dialog menu bar to open this dialog.
Classified Image: Enter the name of the classified image file that you want to threshold.
The default file extension is .img.
Distance Image: Enter the name of the distance image file that was created when you
classified the image. The default file extension is .img.

Interface manual.
thresholding.
77
Threshold to file
Threshold to file
This dialog allows you to define the name of the file that is generated in the thresholding process.
This file will contain the results of the thresholding.
Select Process | To File... from the Threshold dialog menu bar to open this dialog.
Output Image: Enter the name of the thematic raster layer that will be generated in the
threshold process. This file will contain the results of the thresholding. The .img extension is
added automatically.

Interface manual.
thresholding.
78
Fuzzy Convolution
Fuzzy Convolution
The Fuzzy Convolution operation creates a single classification layer by calculating the total
weighted inverse distance of all the classes in a window of pixels and assigning the center pixel
the class with the largest total inverse distance summed over the entire set of fuzzy classification
layers. This has the effect of creating a context-based classification to reduce the speckle or “salt
and pepper” in the classification. Classes with a very small distance value will remain unchanged
while classes with higher distance values may change to a neighboring value if there are a
sufficient number of neighboring pixels with class values and small corresponding distance
values. The following equation is used in the calculation:
s s n
w ij
T [k] = ∑ ∑ ∑ -----------------
D ijl [ k ]
i=0 j=0 l=0
where:
i = row index of window
j = column index of window
s = size of window (3, 5, or 7)
l = layer index of fuzzy set
n = number of fuzzy layers used
W = weight table for window
k = class value
D[k] = distance file value for class k
T[k] = total weighted distance of window for class k
The center pixel is assigned the class with the maximum T[k].
Input Classified File: Enter the name of the multi-layer classified input file on which to
perform the convolution operation or click on the File Selector button. The default file
extension is .img.
Input Distance File: Enter the name of the multi-layer distance input file on which to
perform the convolution operation or click on the File Selector button. The default file
extension is .img.
Output Classified File: Enter the name of the single class output layer file or click on
the File Selector button. The .img extension is automatically added.
79
Fuzzy Convolution
Output Distance File Enter the name of the single class distance output file on which
to perform the convolution operation or click on the File Selector button. The default file
extension is .img.
Filename
Window Size: Three window size options exist.

3x3 Use a 3 x 3 window in the convolution.
5x5 Use a 5 X 5 window in the convolution.
7x7 Use a 7 X 7 window in the convolution.
Neighbor Weighting Options:

By Distance This option allows for each pixel in the window to be weighted based on
its geometric distance to the center pixel. This will make pixels closer to the center
contribute to the convolution calculation more than pixels further away.
Equal This option weights all off-center pixels window equally. Each pixel will contribute
equally to the convolution calculation.
Neighborhood Weight Factor: The weight factor used to scale the distance values
of pixels not in the center of the window. If the Neighbor Weight Option is by distance, then
the weight factor determines the weight of the pixel furthest from the center pixel. All other
pixels weights are scaled accordingly by their euclidean distance to the center. If the Neighbor
Weight Factor is Equal, then all the off-center pixels are weighted equally as defined by the
Neighborhood Weight Factor.
Number of Layers to Use: Reduce the number of layers to use from the default which
is set to the number of available layers in the multi-layer classification file. This may be
desirable to reduce the processing time.
Neighborhood Weight Table: This table displays the computation of the pixel weight
coefficients by using the Fuzzy Convolution calculation equation. The pixels will display in
numbers between the values of 0 and 1.
Values to Use (All Layers): Indicate what file values, within the window, are to be used
and what are not. This parameter applies to pixel values in all classified layers.
Use all values in computation Indicates that all file values, within the window, are to
be used.
80
Fuzzy Convolution
Use only center pixel values Indicates that only values contained in the center pixel’s
best classes in the fuzzy classification layers will be used.
Ignore specified value(s): Indicates that certain file value(s) will not be used. Enter the
value(s) to ignore in the field below.
Use only specified value(s): Indicates that only certain file value(s) be used. Enter the
value(s) to use in the field below.
Apply at Values (Best Layer): Indicate at what file values the fuzzy convolution
will apply. The top (best) classification layer pixel values are used for this determination.
Apply function at all values Indicates that the fuzzy convolution function will apply at
all pixel values.
Don’t apply at specified value(s): Indicates that the fuzzy convolution function will not
apply at the specified pixel values.
Apply only at specified value(s): Indicates that the fuzzy convolution function will only
apply at the specified pixel values.
OK Starts the fuzzy convolution process.
Batch Puts the fuzzy convolution process on the batch queue.
Cancel Cancels the fuzzy convolution interface and closes the dialog.
Help Displays the On-Line Help for this dialog.
81
Accuracy Assessment
Accuracy Assessment
Accuracy assessment allows you to evaluate a classified image file (thematic raster layer). The
CellArray for this utility lists two sets of class values for the randomly selected points (random
points) in the classified .img file. One set of class values is automatically assigned to these
random points as they are selected, and the other set of class values (reference values) is input
by you. These reference values should be based on ground truth data, previously tested maps,
aerial photos, or other data. The Accuracy Assessment CellArray is an organized way of
comparing your classification with ground truth data, previously tested maps, aerial photos, or
other data.
The data for the random points in the CellArray can be saved in the classified image file for
further reference or to refine past evaluations.
This utility generates three types of reports:
♦ The error matrix simply compares the reference class values to the assigned class values in
a c x c matrix, where c is the number of classes (including class 0)
♦ The accuracy totals report calculates statistics of the percentages of accuracy, based upon
the results of the error matrix
♦ The Kappa statistics

Click Accuracy Assessment in the Classification dialog to open this dialog.
File Select this menu for options for opening a classified .img file, saving the data in the
CellArray, and saving the random points as an annotation layer.
Open... This option allows you to open a classified image file (.img) that will be used in
the accuracy assessment. A File Selector dialog is opened.
After the .img file is loaded into the CellArray, use the Select Viewer option under the View
menu to specify which Viewer has the classified image (or any other type of image) on
which to display the random points.
Save table This option saves the random points data in the CellArray to the classified
image file. The next time you load this .img file into the Accuracy Assessment utility, the
random points data are automatically loaded into the CellArray.
Save as Annotation... This option allows you to save the random points as an
annotation layer. A File Selector dialog is opened.
Close This option closes the Accuracy Assessment utility.
82
Accuracy Assessment
Edit Select this menu for options for generating random points and showing and hiding the
values in the Class column of the CellArray.
Create/Add Random Points... This option allows you to generate random points from
the defined .img file. The Add Random Points dialog is opened. After the points are
generated, left-hold View | Show All to display the points in the Viewer. The color of the
points can be changed with the View | Change Colors option.
Import User-defined Points... This option allows you to import user-defined points from
an ASCII file.
Class Value Assignment Options... This option allows you to set class value
assignment parameters.
Show Class Values This option displays the values for the random points in the Class
column of the Accuracy Assessment CellArray.
Hide Class Values This option hides the values for the random points in the Class
column of the Accuracy Assessment CellArray.
View Select this menu for options for displaying the random points in a Viewer. This Viewer
must be linked to the Accuracy Assessment CellArray. Use the Select Viewer option under
this menu to link the Viewer.
Select Viewer... Use this option to click in the Viewer that is displaying the image file
(.img) on which you want to display the random points.
Change colors... This option allows you to change the colors of the random points. The
Change Colors dialog is opened.
Show All This option displays all of the random points in the Viewer.
Hide All This option hides (removes) all of the random points in the Viewer.
Show Current Selection This option displays the selected random points in the Viewer.
Hide Current Selection This option hides (removes) the selected random points in the
Viewer.
Report Select this menu for options for generating reports.

Options Select this option for a popup list of types of reports that can be generated
based on the data in the Accuracy Assessment CellArray.
Error Matrix Turn on this check box to generate an error matrix.
Accuracy Totals Turn on this check box to generate an accuracy totals report.
83
Accuracy Assessment
Kappa Statistics Turn on this check box to generate the Kappa statistics for the
accuracy assessment.
Accuracy Report... Use this option to generate the accuracy assessment report. The
IMAGINE Text Editor displays the report.
Cell Report... Use this option to view the generated Cell Report. The Cell Report lists
the options and search windows used in selecting the random points. In order to generate
this report, you must turn on the Report Windows check box in the Add Random Points
dialog. The IMAGINE Text Editor displays the report.
Help Left-hold to see this On-Line Help document.
Click this icon to load the classified image file (.img) that will be used in the accuracy
assessment. A File Selector dialog is opened. After the .img file is loaded into the CellArray,
use the Select Viewer option under the View menu to specify which Viewer will display the
random points.
Click this icon to specify the Viewer where you want to display the random points. You
can also select View | Select Viewer to perform this operation.
(CellArray) This CellArray lists two sets of class values for the randomly selected points
(random points) in the classified .img file. One set of class values is automatically assigned
to these pixels as they are selected, and the other set of class values (reference values) is
input by you.
Right-hold in the Row column for the Row Selection popup. Right-hold on any column
heading for the Column Options popup.
Point # This column displays the random point number.
Name This column displays the name of the random point. When you change the name
of a point, the name will automatically be updated in the Viewer (if the point is displayed).
X This column displays the X coordinate for the random point.
Y This column displays the Y coordinate for the random point.
Class This column displays the automatically assigned class values for the random
points.
Reference Use this column to input the values for the random points. These values
should be based on ground truth data, previously tested maps, aerial photos, or other
data.
84
Accuracy Assessment
Interface manual.
➲ See the “Classification” chapter in the ERDAS Field Guide for more information on accuracy
assessment.
85
Add Random Points
Add Random Points

This dialog enables you to randomly select points from the classified image to be used in the
accuracy assessment process.
A search window is used to derive the class value for a selected pixel. The center pixel of the
search window will be the selected pixel if the pixel values in the window meet the criteria set by
you. For example, you may specify that a majority of pixel values must exist in the search window
in order for it to be used. If a majority does not exist, then the center pixel for the search window
will not be selected and the window will be discarded. If a majority does exist, then the center
pixel will be selected and it will be assigned the majority class value.
After the points are generated, you must enter the estimated class values for the points into the
Accuracy Assessment CellArray. These reference values will be compared to the values that
were assigned when the pixels were selected.
Select Edit | Create/Add Random Points... from the Accuracy Assessment dialog menu bar
to open this dialog.
Number of Points: Enter the total number of random points to be generated.
Search Count: This is the number of search windows that will be used for gathering the
random points per run. For example, if you enter 100, then a maximum of 100 search
windows will be used throughout the image for gathering the points.
NOTE: If you are having trouble (i.e., the application exhausts the search count quickly or gets
only a few points per run) increase this number to a very large one so you don’t need to
interact with the application often.
Distribution Parameters: You need to define how the points will be distributed.
Random Turn on this check box for no rules to be used for collecting random points.
Stratified Random Turn on this check box for the number of random points to be
stratified to the distribution of thematic layer classes.
Equalized Random Turn on this check box for each class to have an equal number of
random points.
Use Minimum Points If you select Stratified Random above, you can select the
minimum number of points for each class. This will ensure that the smallest class has
enough points for a true measure of accuracy assessment.
Minimum Points Enter the minimum number of points to generate for each class.
86
Add Random Points
Select Classes... Click to specify the classes in the thematic layer to be used in
selecting the random points. The Raster Attribute Editor opens. Select the classes in the
Raster Attribute Editor CellArray that you want to be used in selecting random points. By
default, all of the classes are selected.
You will not be able to close the Raster Attribute Editor, but it will close automatically.

Interface manual.
assessment.
87
Change colors
Change colors
This dialog enables you to change the color of the random points. The points with reference
values (class values that are input by you) can be the same color or a different color than the
random points without reference values.
Select View | Change colors... from the Accuracy Assessment dialog menu bar to open this
dialog.
Points with no reference: Hold on this popup list to specify the color for random points
without reference data.
Points with reference: Hold on this popup list to specify the color for random points
with reference data (user-defined class values).

Interface manual.
assessment.
88
Assignment Options
Assignment Options
This dialog enables you to set the class value assignment rules for a ground coordinate. It opens
when you select Edit | Class Value Assignment Options... from the Accuracy Assessment
dialog.
Window Size: Select the window size to use for determining the class value.
Window Majority Rule: Define the majority to be used.

Clear Majority Click this radio button if a clear majority of class values exists in the
window.
Majority Threshold Click this radio button to set the minimum number of class values
needed to create a majority of class values in the window.
Threshold: Select the number for the majority threshold.
No Majority Action: If no majority of class values is found, select one of the two options
listed below:
Discard Window Click to discard the window if the majority rule is not met.
Use Center Value Click to use the center value if the majority rule is not met.
Report Windows Click to create a report of the windows used.
OK Click to begin the random point generation process.
Close Cancel the changes and close the dialog.

Interface manual.
89
Signature Mean Plot
Signature Mean Plot

This dialog enables you to view the mean of a single signature or all signatures in all bands of
the image to be classified. Each graph is shown in the color indicated in the Signature Editor.
This dialog is opened when you select View | Mean Plots... in the menu bar or click the Mean
Plot icon in the tool bar of the Signature Editor dialog.
File Select to save this graph as an annotation or PostScript file (UNIX only) or to close this
window.
Save Annotation... Select to save the graph as an annotation file (.ovr extension). The
Save Annotation dialog is opened.
Save Postscript... (UNIX only) Select to save the graph as a PostScript file (.ps
extension). The Save Plot dialog is opened.
Close Select to close the Signature Mean Plot dialog.
Edit Select for options controlling the information displayed in the graph.
Chart Options... Select to change the chart axes, labels, color, and other information.
The Chart Options dialog is opened.
Chart Legend... Select to edit the legend that is opened on the right side of the graph.
The Legend Editor dialog is opened.
View Select to select single or multiple signatures.

Single Signature Mode Select to show the mean plot for the current signature
(indicated by the >).
Multiple Signature Mode Select to show the mean plots for all (or all selected)
signatures.
Scale Y Axis Select to adjust the range of values shown in the Y axis to show the
smallest range possible to reflect the values of the currently plotted signature(s).
For example, if the Y axis includes the range 0 to 250 but the currently plotted signature
includes only the range of 22 to 136, selecting this option will adjust the Y axis to show
only the range of 20 to 140 so that you can see more detail in the graph.
You may also need to select this option if the Y axis reflects a relatively small range and
you select another signature with a different (or larger) range of values.
90
Signature Mean Plot
Click to show the mean plot for the current signature (indicated by the >).
Click to show the mean plots for all (or all selected) signatures.
Click to adjust the range of values shown in the Y axis to show the smallest range
possible to reflect the values of the currently plotted signature(s).
Click to print the mean plot to a PostScript (UNIX only) printer. The Print dialog is
opened.
(graph) The Y axis (vertical) reflects data file values. The X axis (horizontal) reflects the
bands in the image to be classified.
Interface manual.
91
Save Annotation
Save Annotation
This dialog enables you to save the signature mean plot graph(s) to an IMAGINE annotation
(.ovr) file. It opens when you select File | Save Annotation... from the Signature Mean Plot
dialog menu bar.
Save File As: Enter the name of the IMAGINE annotation file to create. The .ovr
extension is added automatically.
OK Click to create an annotation file and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
92
Save Plot
Save Plot
UNIX Only
This dialog enables you to save a signature mean plot graph(s) to a PostScript (.ps) file. It opens
when you select File | Save PostScript... from the Signature Mean Plot dialog.
Save File As: Enter the name of the PostScript file to create. The .ps extension is added
automatically.
OK Click to create a PostScript file and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
93
Output Color Scheme Options (from Signature Editor)
Output Color Scheme Options (from Signature Editor)

This dialog enables you to choose options for output color schemes. It opens when you select
Color Scheme Options... from the Unsupervised Classification dialog.
Grayscale Click to select a gray scale output image.
Approximate True Color Click to select color layers for the output image.

Interface manual.
94
Unsupervised Classification (from DataPrep menu)

Select UnsupervisedClassification... from the Data Preparation menu to open this dialog.

the data.

Input Raster File: Enter the name of the input image file to cluster or click on the File
Output File: Enter the name of the output cluster layer file.
Initializing Options... Click this button to access options for initializing cluster means.
The File Statistics Options dialog is opened.
Color Scheme Options... Click this button to access options for setting the output color
scheme. The Output Color Scheme Options dialog is opened.
Processing Options: Use the following number fields to specify the processing options.
95
Convergence Threshold: Specify the convergence threshold. The convergence

threshold is the maximum percentage of pixels whose cluster assignments can go
unchanged between iterations. This threshold prevents the ISODATA utility from running
indefinitely.
Skip Factors: For faster (although less accurate) processing you can enter an X and Y
skip factor.
X: Enter the X skip factors to use when processing. Entering a 1 will process all
Y: Enter the Y skip factors to use when processing. Entering a 1 will process all
Classify zeros Include zeros in the classification.
AOI... Click to open the Choose AOI dialog. This dialog lets you select the only area of the
.img file to be used in the process.

Interface manual.
ISODATA algorithm.
96
Output Color Scheme Options (from DataPrep menu)
Output Color Scheme Options (from DataPrep menu)

This dialog enables you to choose whether you want an output color scheme to be grayscale or
approximate true color. This dialog opens when you select Color Scheme Options... from the
Unsupervised Classification dialog.
Grayscale Click to make the output color scheme grayscale.
Approximate True Color Click to make the output color scheme approximate true
color.
Close Click to close this dialog and accept your changes.
Help Click to view the On-Line Help for this dialog.
97
File Statistics Options (from DataPrep menu)
File Statistics Options (from DataPrep menu)

This dialog enables you to establish the method for generating initial starting means for isodata.
dialog.
class means.

Interface manual.
ISODATA algorithm.
98

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Classification

Printed in the United States of America.

ERDAS Proprietary - Delivered under license agreement.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Load Signature File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Save Signature File As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Set Signature Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Set Parallelepiped Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Set Associated Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Signature Extract from Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Histogram Plot Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Histogram Print Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

View Signature Columns: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Create Feature Space Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Create Thematic Feature Space Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Unsupervised Classification (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

File Statistics Options (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Supervised Classification (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Attribute Options (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

File Statistics Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Output Color Scheme Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Load Distance Histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Save Distance Histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Add Random Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Signature Mean Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Output Color Scheme Options (from Signature Editor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Unsupervised Classification (from DataPrep menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Output Color Scheme Options (from DataPrep menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

File Statistics Options (from DataPrep menu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

There are two ways to classify pixels into different categories:

Unsupervised Classification ... Click to open the Unsupervised Classification

Supervised Classification ... Click to open the Supervised Classification dialog.

Close Click to close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

New... This option lets you open a new Signature Editor.

Undo Use this option to undo the last edit.

Delete This option deletes the selected signature(s).

Initialize This option sets the initial probability values to 1.0.

Normalize This option normalizes the probability values to a sum of 1.0.

View Use this popup list to perform the following tasks.

Masking Use this popup list to open the masking utilities.

Supervised... This option allows you to perform a supervised classification. The

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

Click to open a new Signature Editor.

> This symbol identifies the current signature.

Load Signature File

Cancel Left-click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Save Signature File As

Cancel Click to close this dialog and cancel the process.

Help Left-click to see this On-Line Help document.

Cancel Click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

Set Signature Colors

Untitled NUMBER ( nbands )

Apply Click to apply the selected options.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

Close Click to close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

Set Parallelepiped Limits

Cancel Click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

Close Click to close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.