Components of accuracy of maps with special reference to discriminant analysis on remote sensor data

Abstract The utility of a map of terrain classes may be measured by ditTerent components of accuracy, estimated from an error matrix. A systematic classification of the questions that such a map is required to answer is proposed. In each case the utility of the map is best measured by a ditTerent subset of the components of accuracy. It follows that no one map will be optimal from the point of view of every user (given that the perfect map cannot be made). It is shown how those components of map accuracy that are most pertinent to a particular user may be optimized.