Evaluation methods for curvilinear feature extraction

The application of quantitative performance evaluation methods can provide useful insights in determining the utility of computer-assisted methods for delineating geographic features from remotely sensed images. Evaluation concepts are demonstrated with road centerlines in particular, but are applicable to similar feature types such as paths, trails, or rivers. The two comparative measures used to differentiate conventional versus computer-assisted delineation are 1) user clock time, and 2) spatial consistency. Our evaluation results with road centerlines demonstrate how such quantitative analyses can be used to determine the utility of computer-assisted methods from both developmental and operational perspectives.