Transfer learning with convolutional neural networks for hydrological streamline delineation

Environmental Modelling and Software
By: , and 

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Abstract

Hydrological streamline delineation is critical for effective environmental management, influencing agriculture sustainability, river dynamics, watershed planning, and more. This study develops a novel approach to combining transfer learning with convolutional neural networks that capitalize on image-based pre-trained models to improve the accuracy and transferability of streamline delineation. We evaluate the performance of eleven image-based pre-trained models and a baseline model using datasets from Rowan County, North Carolina, and Covington River, Virginia in the USA. Our results demonstrate that when models are adapted to a new area, the fine-tuned ImageNet pre-trained model exhibits superior predictive accuracy, markedly higher than the models trained from scratch or those only fine-tuned on the same area. Moreover, the pre-trained model achieves better smoothness and connectivity between classified streamline channels. These findings underline the effectiveness of transfer learning in enhancing the delineation of hydrological streamlines across varied geographies, offering a scalable solution for accurate and efficient environmental modelling.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Transfer learning with convolutional neural networks for hydrological streamline delineation
Series title Environmental Modelling and Software
DOI 10.1016/j.envsoft.2024.106165
Volume 181
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Center for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)
Description 106165, 13 p.
Country United States
State North Carolina, Virginia
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