A Deep-Learning Approach to Detect and Classify Heavy-Duty Trucks in Satellite Images

Heavy-duty trucks serve as the backbone of the supply chain and have a tremendous effect on the economy. However, they severely impact the environment and public health. This study presents a novel truck detection framework by combining satellite imagery with Geographic Information System (GIS)-based OpenStreetMap data to capture the distribution of heavy-duty trucks and shipping containers in both on-road and off-road locations with extensive spatial coverage. The framework involves modifying the CenterNet detection algorithm to detect randomly oriented trucks in satellite images and enhancing the model through ensembling with Mask RCNN, a segmentation-based algorithm. GIS information refines and improves the model's prediction results. Applied to part of Southern California, including the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the framework helps assess the environmental impact of heavy-duty trucks in port-adjacent communities and understand truck density patterns along major freight corridors. This research has implications for policy, practice, and future research.