Detection of forest roads in Sentinel-2 images using U-Net

Abstract

This paper presents a new method for semi-automatic detection of nature interventions in Sentinel-2 satellite images with 10 m spatial resolution. The Norwegian Environment Agency is maintaining a map of undisturbed nature in Norway. U-Net was used for automated detection of new roads, as these are often the cause whenever the area of undisturbed nature is reduced. The method was able to detect many new roads, but with some false positives and possibly some false negatives (i.e., missing new roads). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that automated detection of new roads, for the purpose of updating the map of undisturbed nature, is possible. We have also suggested several improvements of the method to improve its usefulness.