An easy-to-use Windows-based application, eCognition elements is designed for users with a wide range of remote sensing skills, from the novice to the expert.

"With eCognition elements, users will overcome the challenges of traditional image classification methods," explained Markus Heynen, International Sales & Marketing Manager. "We designed an entry-level system for general users and remote sensing novices that allows achieving classification results instantly. Using eCognition elements, one can increase productivity and reduce time and costs significantly"

eCognition elements offers many of the unique tools already implemented in Definiens Imaging's advanced image classification software eCognition professional: multisource data fusion, the unparalleled multiresolution segmentation, sample-based fuzzy classification, multiple export options and more.

eCognition elements can combine different types of imagery with geographic data (e.g., GIS data, digital elevation models) and use them all in one classification project. A variety of imagery types can be ingested into eCognition elements for classification, e.g., satellite and aerial panchromatic, color composite, multiband, and radar imagery. Several image formats are supported.

Multiresolution Segmentation is Definiens’ unique patented procedure for image object extraction from any kind of imagery. It allows the segmentation of panchromatic or multispectral images into homogeneous image objects in any chosen resolution and the generation of a network of image objects. Based on these objects, eCognition elements performs sample-based classification using a nearest neighbor classifier. This allows a very simple, rapid yet powerful classification, in which individual image objects are marked as typical representatives of a class (= training areas), after which the rest of the scene is classified accordingly (“click and classify”). With this easy to handle supervised classification even remote sensing novices will achieve classification results in no time.

Classification results can be exported in raster or vector format. Since eCognition elements can easily create ArcGIS compatible shape files, it provides an effective bridge among the worlds of image classification, raster analysis and vector GIS.

Due to its unique features and tight integration into leading remote sensing and GIS software, the software supports a wide range of applications in mapping, forestry, agriculture, natural resource management and monitoring, telecommunications, defense and intelligence, disaster management and others.

eCognition elements smoothly integrates into the eCognition product line, specifically to the full capability of the current eCognition 3.0 release, which will be named eCognition professional.

eCognition elements will be showcased at several international conferences and trade shows worldwide, e.g., ASPRS 2003 Annual Conference (Anchorage, Alaska, USA), AGIT 2003 (Salzburg, Austria), IGARSS 2003 (Toulouse, France), Map Asia 2003 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).