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3. Class List

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a class list in TytonAI.

Overview​

The Class List module in TytonAI defines and manages the classification system for your projects. Your class list is the foundation of all analysis, it determines how imagery is categorised, how assessment points are labeled, and how training data is structured. By default, TytonAI provides a set of six core classes trained on the Mega Model. These can be expanded with public or custom classes to match your organisation’s analytical needs.

Types of Classes​

Public Classes Example

Public Classes​

  • Shared across all TytonAI customers
  • Represent the most common and widely trained categories
  • Identified by the TytonAI logo across from the class name

Public Classes Example

Custom Classes​

  • Unique to your organisation and reusable across all projects
  • Defined with a name, color, and Parent Mega Model Class
  • Used when your project requires specialised categories not covered by the public set

Accessing the Module​

  1. Open the Workflow Wizard and select Step 3: Class List.
  2. The panel displays the current classes in your project.
  3. By default, you will see the six Mega Model classes: Shrub, Tree, Herb, Grass, Sedge, and Ground.

Working with the Class List​

Public Classes Example

Viewing & Adding Classes​

  • Click + Add Class to add new categories.
  • You can:
    • Select from the Organisation Class List (all custom classes available to your organisation).
    • Choose from Public Classes.
    • Create a Custom Class by entering a name, assigning a color, and linking it to a Mega Model parent.

Organisation Class List​

Organisation Class list Example

  • Displays all public and custom classes created within your organisation.
  • Ensures classification standards remain consistent across projects.
  • You can add new custom classes here for long-term, organisation-wide use.

Organising Classes​

  • Classes can be reordered or grouped into Biotic (living organisms) and Abiotic (non-living features).
  • Biotic examples: Tree, Shrub, Herb, Grass.
  • Abiotic examples: Ground, Water, Erosion.
  • Nested structures allow for more detailed hierarchies.

Organisation Class list Example

Creating & Modifying Classes​

  • Create, rename, delete, or update colors for any class.
  • Adjust groupings (Biotic/Abiotic) to fit project needs.

Best Practices​

  • Balance detail with usability: Choose a realistic number of classes that can be reliably distinguished in your imagery.
  • Use public classes when possible: They have the strongest model training and produce the most reliable outputs.
  • Create custom classes for organisational needs: Use these to maintain consistent labeling across projects.
  • Plan for consistency: Review your imagery and target features before creating a class list.
Ecological Classification Tips

When structuring your classification hierarchy:

  • Start with broad vegetation lifeforms (trees, shrubs, herbs).
  • Group species with similar growth forms together.
  • Include classes for non-vegetation features (water, bare ground).
  • Consider seasonal changes in vegetation appearance.
Working with Legacy Classifications

If you're working with existing vegetation maps:

  • Export your classification scheme from QGIS or ArcGIS Pro as a CSV
  • Ensure each class has a unique ID number
  • Match class names exactly to maintain consistency
  • Consider creating a crosswalk table if merging multiple classification systems