Image Analysis That Thinks in Objects, Not Pixels
Trimble's eCognition Suite analyzes imagery the way a human interpreter does — grouping pixels into meaningful objects, then classifying those objects using their shape, texture, and context. It's managed at the University through the Department of Forest Resources.
What eCognition Does
Most image analysis software processes pixels one at a time. eCognition instead segments imagery into objects — groups of pixels that represent something real, like a tree crown, a building, or a wetland — then classifies those objects using rules, fuzzy logic, or machine learning. It can fuse multiple data types together (satellite or drone imagery, lidar point clouds, and GIS vector layers), which makes it a strong fit for complex classification work like forest inventory or land-cover mapping.
Software Benefits
Object-Based, Not Pixel-Based
By analyzing groups of pixels in context, eCognition can distinguish features that look similar at the pixel level but mean something different in context, catching distinctions purely pixel-based tools tend to miss.
Built for Batch Processing
Once a workflow (or "rule set") is built, it can run automatically across large datasets and entire project areas, rather than requiring manual classification image by image.
Fuses Multiple Data Sources
Combine spectral imagery, lidar point clouds, and existing GIS vector data in a single analysis, drawing on whichever input best answers your question.
Access Runs Through Forest Resources
Unlike U-Spatial's other software, eCognition isn't available through a general sign-in or the Help Desk. The Department of Forest Resources manages the University's eCognition site license directly.
Contact Dr. Chad Babcock in the Department of Forest Resources ([email protected]) to request access.
Resources
Get Access to eCognition
Email Dr. Chad Babcock, Department of Forest Resources to get access or ask licensing questions.
Email Dr. Babcock →Training opportunities
Find workshops and tutorials designed to help you build, share and manage spatial data.
External & Vendor Training
Hosted outside of the UMNWebinar: eCognition for Beginners
Learn about image classification using images and points in Trimble's eCognition software
Getting Started 1 of 4: Create a project
This course is an introduction to rule set development in the Trimble eCognition Developer Software
eCognition FAQs
Quick answers to what people ask us most about accessing and using eCognition.
How do I get access to eCognition?
Contact the Department of Forest Resources directly.
eCognition's University license is managed by the Department of Forest Resources rather than through U-Spatial's general software access process. Reach out to Dr. Chad Babcock ([email protected]) to discuss access for your project.
What kind of projects is eCognition best suited for?
Complex classification work, especially in forestry and land cover.
eCognition's object-based approach shines in projects like forest inventory, land-cover classification, and change detection, where the goal is identifying meaningful features rather than just processing individual pixels.
Do I need eCognition, or would QGIS or ArcGIS Pro work?
Depends on your classification needs.
If your project involves straightforward mapping or standard spatial analysis, ArcGIS Pro or QGIS will likely cover it. eCognition is worth exploring specifically when you need advanced object-based image classification that general-purpose GIS software doesn't handle well.
Managed Through the Department of Forest Resources
What It Costs
eCognition is available to University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff through a site license held by the Department of Forest Resources. Contact Dr. Chad Babcock for current details on cost and eligibility.
Costs Beyond the University
For those who aren't affiliated with the University, eCognition is licensed directly through Trimble and priced by product bundle. Contact Trimble's eCognition sales team for up-to-date pricing, or request a trial download.
Interested in Using eCognition?
Reach out to the Department of Forest Resources to discuss access for your project.