PCCAU-Net: A Novel Road Extraction Method Based on Coord Convolution and a DCA Module

Abstract

In the domain of remote sensing research, the extraction of roads from high-resolution imagery remains a formidable challenge. In this paper, we introduce an advanced architecture called PCCAU-Net, which integrates Pyramid Pathway Input, CoordConv convolution, and Dual-Inut Cross Attention (DCA) modules for optimized performance. Initially, the Pyramid Pathway Input equips the model to identify features at multiple scales, markedly enhancing its ability to discriminate between roads and other background elements. Secondly, by adopting CoordConv convolutional layers, the model achieves heightened accuracy in road recognition and extraction against complex backdrops. Moreover, the DCA module serves dual purposes: it is employed at the encoder stage to efficiently consolidate feature maps across scales, thereby fortifying the model’s road detection capabilities while mitigating false positives. In the skip connection stages, the DCA module further refines the continuity and accuracy of the features. Extensive empirical evaluation substantiates that PCCAU-Net significantly outperforms existing state-of-the-art techniques on multiple benchmarks, including precision, recall, and Intersection-over-Union(IoU). Consequently, PCCAU-Net not only represents a considerable advancement in road extraction research, but also demonstrates vast potential for broader applications, such as urban planning and traffic analytics.