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Use the model

You can use this model in the Extract Features Using AI Models tool available in GeoAI toolbox or 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 (10–40 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.

Preprocess the imagery (optional)

If you have a multispectral product, follow the steps below to preprocess the imagery before using it with the model:

  1. Open ArcGIS Pro and browse to the image product in the Contents pane.
  2. Expand the product file (.imd file) and add the Pansharpen layer to the map.
    Pansharpen tool
  3. Right-click the newly added layer and select Edit Function Chain.
  4. Click Stretch Function in the function chain window to edit the stretch properties.
    Stretch Function
  5. In the Stretch Properties pane, on General tab, change the Stretch Properties as follows:
    General properties for Stretch Function
    Parameters for Stretch Function
  6. Click the Apply button to apply the changes.
    Apply button to apply changes

Extract building footprints

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

  1. Download the Building Footprint Extraction—USA model and add the imagery layer in ArcGIS Pro
  2. Zoom to an area of interest.
    Zoom in to an area of interest.
  3. Browse to Tools under the Analysis tab.
    Tools under Analysis tab in ArcGIS Pro
  4. Click the Toolboxes tab in the Geoprocessing pane, expand GeoAI Tools, and select the Extract Features Using AI Models tool under Imagery AI.
    Extract Features Using AI Models tool
  5. Set the variables under the Parameters tab as follows:
    1. Input Raster—Choose the input raster on which processing will be performed.
    2. Area of Interest(optional) — Set the geographical extent that will be used to extract features. Only features within the area of interest will be extracted.
    3. Mode.dlpkSelect Infer and Postprocess mode.
    4. Output Location (optional) — Select the file geodatabase where the outputs will be stored.
    5. Output Prefix— A prefix that will be added to the name of outputs and name of group layer.
    6. Models— Select the pretrained model.
      • Set Pretrained Models— Select BUILDING FOOTPRINT EXTRACTION - AFRICA pretrained model from the drop down list.
      • Set Polygon Regularization Options—Polygon Postprocessing is the default postprocesing option for this model.
        • Regularization Method— Use the default Regularization Method. The default is Right Angles.
        • Tolerance—Use the default value. The default is 1 meters.
        Extract Features Using AI Models tool.
  6. Set the variables under Environments tab as follows:
    1. Processor Type—Select GPU ID as needed.

      Set GPU ID to the GPU to be used.

      Environments for Extract Features Using AI Models
  7. Click Run to execute.

    As soon as processing finishes, the output group layer with postprocessed building footprints is added to the map.

    Output feature class containing extracted building footprints in polygon form