Wavelet Multi-scale Edge Detection for Extraction of Geographic Features to Improve Vector Map Databases

Although numerous at smaller geographic scales, vector databases often do not exist at the more detailed, larger scales. A possible solution is the use of image processing techniques to detect edges in high-resolution satellite imagery. Features such as roads and airports are formed from the edges and matched up with similar features in existing low-resolution vector map databases. By replacing the old features with the new more accurate features, the resolution of the existing map database is improved. To accomplish this, a robust edge detection algorithm is needed that will perform well in noisy conditions. This paper studies and tests one such method, the Wavelet Multi-scale Edge Detector. The wavelet transform breaks down a signal into frequency bands at different levels. Noise present at lower scales smoothes out at higher levels. It is demonstrated that this property can be used to detect edges in noisy satellite imagery. Once edges are located, a new method will be proposed for storing these edges geographically so that features can be formed and paired with existing features in a vector map database.