Comparing Fuzzy Sets and Random Sets to Model the Uncertainty of Fuzzy Shorelines

This paper addresses uncertainty modelling of shorelines by comparing fuzzy sets and random sets. Both methods quantify extensional uncertainty of shorelines extracted from remote sensing images. Two datasets were tested: pan-sharpened Pleiades with four bands (Pleiades) and pan-sharpened Pleiades stacked with elevation data as the fifth band (Pleiades + DTM). Both fuzzy sets and random sets model the spatial extent of shoreline including its uncertainty. Fuzzy sets represent shorelines as a margin determined by upper and lower thresholds and their uncertainty as confusion indices. They do not consider randomness. Random sets fit the mixed Gaussian model to the image histogram. It represents shorelines as a transition zone between water and non-water. Their extensional uncertainty is assessed by the covering function. The results show that fuzzy sets and random sets resulted in shorelines that were closely similar. Kappa (κ) values were slightly different and McNemar’s test showed high p-values indicating a similar accuracy. Inclusion of the DTM (digital terrain model) improved the classification results, especially for roofs, inundated houses and inundated land. The shoreline model using Pleiades + DTM performed better than that of using Pleiades only, when using either fuzzy sets or random sets. It achieved κ values above 80%.