Vectorial dataset for thermokarst detection in the European Arctic region by Earth Observation and AI

The dataset comprises the vector database developed to train an image segmentation model aimed at detecting and mapping thermokarst-affected areas across the European Arctic. Training polygons were randomly selected from several representative sites undergoing permafrost thaw and were delineated through detailed geomorphological mapping. High-resolution Maxar satellite imagery (0.6 m) served as the primary source for identifying thermokarst-induced features within Arctic peatlands.
To construct the training dataset, regions exhibiting both thermokarst activity and stable terrain were manually labelled in ArcGIS Pro using its image classification tools. This process involved digitizing polygons over distinct thermokarst landforms, taking advantage of the high spatial resolution provided by the World Imagery service to ensure accurate feature delineation.
In total, 133 polygon features representing thermokarst landsystems were extracted from northern Finland, 205 from the Abisko region and northeastern Sweden, and 59 from northern Norway. No fixed sample size was predetermined. The dataset aimed to include as many representative features as possible.
The final dataset contains vector data for both thermokarst landsystems and independently mapped thermokarst ponds, along with full spatial references and metadata. Additionally, shapefiles delineating the areas where thermokarst and non-thermokarst features were detected are provided.

本数据集为用于训练图像分割模型的矢量数据库，该模型旨在对欧洲北极区域内受热喀斯特（thermokarst）作用影响的区域开展检测与制图工作。训练用多边形样本从多处正经历多年冻土融化的典型站点中随机选取，并通过详细的地貌制图完成勾绘。高分辨率马克萨（Maxar）卫星影像（分辨率0.6米）作为识别北极泥炭地内热喀斯特特征的主要数据源。
为构建训练数据集，研究人员借助ArcGIS Pro的影像分类工具，在兼具热喀斯特活动与稳定地表的区域开展人工标注工作。该流程需在不同类型的热喀斯特地貌上完成多边形矢量化，并利用全球影像服务（World Imagery service）提供的高空间分辨率特性，确保地物勾绘的精准性。
总计从芬兰北部提取了133个代表热喀斯特地貌系统的多边形要素，从阿比斯库（Abisko）区域及瑞典东北部提取205个，从挪威北部提取59个。未预先设定固定样本量，本数据集旨在纳入尽可能多的典型地物要素。
最终数据集包含热喀斯特地貌系统与独立制图的热喀斯特池塘的矢量数据，同时附带完整的空间参考信息与元数据。此外，本数据集还提供了标注有热喀斯特与非热喀斯特地物分布区域的形状文件（shapefiles）。