Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3333
Date of Award
6-2026
Degree Name
MS in Computer Science
Department/Program
Computer Science
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Franz Kurfess
Advisor Department
Computer Science
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
This project explores the use of various object detection and classification models to identify permanent man-made structures, specifically cell towers, water towers, watch towers as well as its corresponding shadows (attributes), from aerial imagery. The goal is to evaluate those models and test the feasibility of current models to detect man-made structures in aerial images, in an effort to support search and rescue operations as well as update network infrastructure databases. Multiple object detection models, as well as classification models, including YOLOv8 and VGG19 are implemented and trained on annotated aerial images to determine the presence or absence of man-made structures in the imagery. This work contributes to automating geospatial analysis for search-and-rescue operations and infrastructure identification.