Understanding the Effect of Smartphone Cameras on Estimating Munsell Soil Colors from Imagery

The Munsell soil color chart (MSCC) is an important reference for many professionals in the area of soil color analysis. Currently, the functionality to identify Munsell soil colors (MSCs) automatically from an image is only feasible in laboratories under controlled conditions. To support an app-based solution, this paper explores three research areas including: (i) identifying the most effective color space, (ii) establishing the color difference calculation method with the highest accuracy and (iii) evaluating the effects of smartphone cameras on estimating the MSCs. The existing methods that we have analysed have returned promising results and will help inform other researchers to better understand and develop informed solutions. This study provides both researchers and developers with an insight into the best methods for automatically predicting MSCs. Future research is needed to improve the reliability of results under differing environmental conditions.