Swimming pools localization in colour high-resolution satellite images

Detecting abnd localizing objects from space, like roads, rivers, lakes, etc., is a challenging task with multiple applications in remote sensing. In this paper we address the detection of swimming pools in colour high-resolution images of urban areas acquired by the Quickbird satellite. The main motivation of this work is to survey and localize filled swimming pools during drought periods, fact that should be then punished by the local authorities. The proposed algorithm applies colour analysis for water detection and approximate segmentation, as an initial, rough localization, and active contours techniques to refine the pools´ shape. We have tested our algorithm in both satellite and aerial images with satisfactory results.