Combining AMSR-E and QuikSCAT image data to improve sea ice classification

Abstract

The benefits of augmenting AMSR-E image data with QuikSCAT image data for supervised sea ice classification in the Western Arctic region are investigated. Experiments compared the performance of a maximum likelihood classifier when used with the AMSR-E only data set against the combined data and examined the preferred number of features to use as well as the reliability of training data over time. Adding QuikSCAT often improves classifier accuracy in a statistically significant manner and never decreased it significantly when enough features are used. Combining these data sets is beneficial for sea ice mapping. Using all available features is recommended and training data from a specific date remains reliable within 30 days.