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Use the model

You can use this model in the Detect Objects Using Deep Learning tool available in the Image Analyst toolbox in ArcGIS Pro. Follow the steps below to use the model for extracting building footprints in images.

Supported imagery

Orthorectified imagery (on-the-fly or persisted ortho products) with the following characteristics:

  • Resolution—High resolution (15–25 centimeters)
  • Bit depth—8 Bit Unsigned
  • Bands—Three bands (for example, red, green, and blue)
Note:

Off-nadir imagery or imagery with a high obliquity angle will not produce suitable results.

Extract building footprints

Complete the following steps to extract building footprints from the imagery:

  1. Download the Building Footprint Extraction—China model and add the imagery layer in ArcGIS Pro.
  2. Zoom to an area of interest.
    Area of interest
  3. Click Tools on the Analysis tab.
    Tools on the Analysis tab
  4. Click the Toolboxes tab in the Geoprocessing pane, expand Image Analyst Tools, and select the Detect Objects Using Deep Learning tool under Deep Learning.
    Detect Objects Using Deep Learning tool
  5. On the Parameters tab, set the parameters as follows:
    1. Input Raster—Choose the imagery.
    2. Output Detected Objects—Set the output feature class that will contain the detected building footprints.
    3. Model Definition—Select the pretrained model .dlpk file.
    4. Model Arguments (optional)—Change the values of the arguments if required.
    5. Non Maximum Suppression—Leave it unchecked.
      Detect Objects Using Deep Learning tool Parameters tab
  6. On the Environments tab, set the values as follows:
    1. Processing Extent—Select Current Display Extent or any other option from the drop-down menu.
    2. Cell Size—Set the value to 0.2. The expected raster resolution is 0.2 meters.
    3. Processor Type—Select CPU or GPU as needed.

      If GPU is available, it is recommended that you select GPU and set GPU ID to the GPU to be used.

      Detect Objects Using Deep Learning tool Environments tab
  7. Click Run.

    The output layer is added to the map.

    Output feature layer containing extracted building footprints

Regularize building footprints

Complete the following steps to improve the visual appearance of the extracted building footprint features:

  1. Browse to Tools on the Analysis tab.
    Tools on the Analysis tab in ArcGIS Pro
  2. Click the Toolboxes tab in the Geoprocessing pane, expand Analysis Tools, and browse to the Pairwise Dissolve tool.
    Pairwise Dissolve Tool
  3. Set the variables on the Parameters tab as follows:
    1. Input Features—Select the extracted building footprints feature layer.
    2. Output Feature Class—Set the output feature class that will contain the dissolved building footprints.
      Pairwise Dissolve tool parameters
    3. Click Run.

      The output layer is added to the map.

      Output feature layer containing dissolved building footprints
  4. Click the Toolboxes tab in the Geoprocessing pane, expand 3D Analyst Tools, and browse to the Regularize Building Footprint tool.
    Regularize Building Footprint tool
  5. Set the variables on the Parameters tab as follows:
    1. Input Features—Select the dissolved building footprints feature layer.
    2. Output Feature Class—Set the output feature class that will contain the regularized building footprints.
    3. Method (optional)—Select Right Angles. Set the Tolerance value to 2 and the Precision value to 0.25.
      Regularize Building Footprint tool parameters
  6. Click Run.

    The output layer is added to the map.

    Output feature layer containing regularized building footprints