Deep Learning in GIS
Definition
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, itself a branch of artificial intelligence (AI), that offers advanced computational capabilities to model and understand complex patterns and relationships within data. The 'deep' in deep learning refers to the use of multi-layered artificial neural networks to carry out the process of machine learning. These deep structures allow the models to learn and represent data with multiple levels of abstraction, emphasizing how objects are composed and how complex relationships can be modeled.
In a GIS context, deep learning allows for more advanced and detailed spatial analysis, including predicting, modeling and mapping complex phenomena. This includes applications such as automated feature recognition or extraction from satellite or aerial imagery, advanced predictive modeling, and complex spatio-temporal analysis.
What is Deep Learning in GIS?
Deep Learning in GIS refers to the integration of deep learning techniques into Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for complex spatial problem solving. GIS provides the right environment to deploy deep learning because of the voluminous geospatial data that is continuously generated and collected globally.
Through deep learning, GIS professionals can automatically recognize patterns, extract features, classify objects, and understand phenomena encoded within geospatial data. This technology provides superior results, surpassing traditional methods, in several areas including but not limited to land-use classification, feature extraction, object detection, and change detection from satellite or aerial imagery.
Examples of the application of deep learning in GIS include the recognition and classification of road networks in satellite imagery, detecting changes in land cover over time, predicting areas at risk of flooding based on topographic data, and assessing the likely impacts of climate change on specific geographic areas.
Deep learning in GIS has opened up new frontiers for research and industry, enabling the exploration of geospatial data at a scale and detail that was previously not possible.
FAQs
How is deep learning applied in GIS?
Deep learning is applied in GIS primarily through image classification, object detection, and change detection in satellite or aerial imagery. It can also be used for predictive spatial analysis, such as predicting potential future land use, risk areas for natural disasters, or the impacts of climate change.
What advantage does deep learning offer over traditional GIS methods?
Deep learning offers several advantages over traditional GIS methods including the ability to handle and process large amounts of data, high accuracy in results, improved real-time analysis capabilities, and advanced forecasting or predictive abilities. It can automate processes such as object recognition and feature extraction, that would be time-consuming and resource-intensive using traditional methods.
What is required to implement deep learning in GIS?
Implementing deep learning in GIS requires a mix of skills and resources including programming knowledge (especially in languages like Python), an understanding of deep learning algorithms and principles, and access to a large amount of geospatial data for training the models. Powerful computing resources, although not an absolute requirement, can significantly speed up the processing time when working with big data.
