Multi-view deep learning for reliable post-disaster damage classification

Abstract: This study aims to enable more reliable automated post-disaster building damage classification using AI and multi-view imagery. The current practices and research efforts in adopting AI for post-disaster damage assessment are generally (a) qualitative, lacking refined classification of building damage levels based on standard damage scales, and (b) trained based on aerial or satellite imagery with limited views, which, although indicative, are not completely descriptive of the damage scale. To enable more accurate and reliable automated quantification of damage levels, the present study proposes the use of more comprehensive visual data in the form of multiple ground and aerial views of the buildings. To have such a spatially-aware damage prediction model, a Multi-view Convolution Neural Network (MV-CNN) architecture is used that combines the information from different views of a damaged building. This spatial 3D context damage information will result in more accurate identification of damages and reliable quantification of damage levels. The proposed model is trained and validated on reconnaissance visual dataset containing expert-labeled, geotagged images of the inspected buildings following hurricane Harvey. The developed model demonstrates reasonably good accuracy in predicting the damage levels and can be used to support more informed and reliable AI-assisted disaster management practices.