Developer(s) Overwatch Systems Operating system | Development status Active Available in English | |
Initial release 2001; 16 years ago (2001) Stable release 5.2.0.4 / Error: first parameter is missing. () | ||
Feature Analyst is an automatic feature extraction application that utilizes object recognition technology to analyze satellite or aerial images and rapidly identify items such as buildings, trees, water features, and roads. Users of the software include federal geospatial analysts, local community GIS managers, university researchers, and GIS service providers. The software is published by Overwatch Systems, Ltd., an operating unit of Textron Systems.
Overview
Feature Analyst was initially developed and released by Visual Learning Systems in 2001 as one of the first commercially successful automatic feature extraction software packages. Overwatch acquired Visual Learning Systems and the Feature Analyst software in 2006.
Automated feature extraction relies upon machine learning algorithms to automatically extract vector layers from high resolution imagery, improving efficiency by minimizing manual drawing of object outlines. Example vectors might delineate specific objects such highways, classify various water drainage surfaces, or assess vegetation types. The output includes feature data that can be used for further analysis.
Feature Analyst is available in two versions, Standard and Professional. The professional version includes building extraction and change detection tools. The Feature Analyst extension adds automatic extraction capability to Esri’s ArcGIS.