Semi-automated identification and extraction of Callitris intratropica from Eucalypt dominant savanna

The Northern Cypress Pine, Callitris intratropica (fam: Cypressae) exists in a variety of environments across the northern regions of Australia's Northern Territory. Due to its inherent characteristics the species has been described as a potential indicator of fire regimes within the landscape. Its susceptibility to intense fires means that populations are vulnerable under late season high intensity burning regimes. Mapping of the distribution of the species will provide a level of data that will further the understanding of its ecology and population dynamics. The method described here applies multi-level region growing and thresholding techniques to high spatial resolution multispectral satellite imagery to delineate Callitris crowns from surrounding Eucalypt dominant savanna. Detected crowns are compared against recorded field observations and a manual delineation method.