APPLICATION OF FACTOR ANALYSIS TO TERRAIN CLASSIFICATION

Abstract

The techniques of multivariate analysis are indispensable in drawing inference from the data, collected by the researchers in different disciplines, since the data is multivariate in nature in many situations. Factor analysis is that branch of multivariate statistical analysis which deals with the internal structure of covariance and correlation matrices. Terrain classification is the set of activities which deals to the classification of terrain characteristics. There are two approaches of terrain classification, namely, Landscape approach and Parametric approach. Parametric approach involves data which is multivariate in nature, which makes the approach arduous and complex. With the help of factor analysis the way of parametric approach is simplified. The work is mainly focussed on extracting the influential parameters from the original data, using factor analysis, without sacrificing any valuable information, thereby reducing the involvement of the bulk of data and simplifying the approach of terrain classification. A Program has been written for carrying out the various operations involved in factor analysis.