Image processing techniques for describing sea ice features

In this paper, we present a host of image processing techniques for sea ice feature analysis that we have investigated in the framework of ARKTOS. ARKTOS is an intelligent system, a software package that classifies each sea ice feature individually, using rules that fire upon a variety of descriptors of the feature, and thus relies on accurate extraction of objects (or features) in the images. We have studied four stages of image processing in the course of researching for and designing ARKTOS: pre-processing, segmentation, attribute measurements, and symbolic description. The basic techniques are not new in the area of image processing. But the adaptations and extensions that we have made in order to better capture image visual cues specific to sea ice features are results of experiments and evaluations and have seen some specific innovations that may be generalized to other sea ice or remote sensing applications. Design considerations include correctness, robustness, and speed.