This article presents a hybrid classification method combining image segmentation, GIS analysis, and visual interpretation, and its application to elaborate a multi-date cartographic database with 23 land use/cover (LUC) classes using SPOT 5 imagery for the Mexican state of Michoacan (~60,000 km 2 ). First, the resolution of an existing 1:100,000 LUC map produced through visual interpretation of 2007 SPOT images was improved. 2007 SPOT images were segmented, and each segment received the "majority" LUC category from the 1:100,000 map. Segments were characterized from the images (spectral indices) and the map (LUC class). A multivariate trimming was applied to detect "uncertain" segments presenting discrepancy between their spectral response and the LUC class assigned from the map. For these uncertain segments, a category was determined by digital classification, but a definitive category was assigned through visual interpretation. Finally, accuracy of the resulting LUC map was assessed. The same procedure was applied to downgrade (2004) and to update (2014) the map. The implemented method enabled us to improve the scale of an existing 2007 LUC map and to detect land use/cover changes in previous (downgrading) and later (updating) dates with an overall accuracy of 83.3% ± 3.1%.
ARTICLE HISTORY
En las últimas décadas, se han registrado altas tasas de deforestación en el estado de Michoacán. En el presente trabajo se puso en marcha un método de clasificación híbrido que combina procesos automatizados, análisis espacial e interpretación visual, el cual permitió generar cartografía de cubierta/uso de suelo para el estado de Michoacán, a escala 1:50 000, con un área mínima cartografiable de una hectárea para 2004, 2007 y 2014. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la fiabilidad de la cartografía generada. La evaluación del mapa para 2007 indicó que la fiabilidad global fue de 83.3%, con un intervalo de confianza de 3.1%. Las tasas de deforestación en Michoacán han disminuido (i.e., 2004–2007; 0.17%, 2007–2014; 0.07%). No obstante, existen dos focos principales de deforestación donde bosques de pino y pino-encino han sido sustituidos por huertas de aguacate (centro del estado) y selvas bajas y medianas han sido transformadas en pastizales (región sierra-costa)
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