The Potential of Hyperspectral Image Classification for Oil Spill Mapping

Oil spill mapping is a very challenging problem in marine environmental monitoring. In this article, the potential of hyperspectral image (HSI) classification for mapping oil spills is comprehensively investigated. First, several representative HSI classification methods are reviewed in a general framework. Second, three oil spill mapping cases are designed to analyze the performance of different classification methods in detecting spatial distribution, classifying the type, and estimating the thickness of oil spills. Finally, the experimental results are analyzed in detail, and some conclusions are given, which brings a comprehensive understanding to scholars who are interested in the fields of hyperspectral remote sensing and oil spill mapping.