What is Image Annotation and Top 5 Tools for it
Tags: ai, machinelearning
Published: 2022-07-22 12:27:07

Data reigns supreme in today’s modern world. However, it is only refined and structured data that is of use. Building good quality data includes important activities like image annotation. Image Annotation for Machine Learning is crucial for computer vision, an important field of Artificial Intelligence. New-age solutions like facial recognition, drones, autonomous vehicles, etc. heavily rely on computer vision to provide appropriate services to their users. These solutions employ tons of images for their services. These are labeled or annotated images that constitute the training data sets for AI algorithms for these hi-tech solutions.

**What is image annotation?**

Image annotation is the practice of appropriating the right labels or tags to images. This may be one label for an image and can go up to different labels for the different pixels in a single image. 

An [image annotation company](https://www.suntecdata.com/image-annotation-services.html) helps in creating superior image recognition models for regulated machine learning requirements and AI algorithms. These models are then incorporated into a machine, which with sufficient training, will be able to recognize the right images on its own. Image annotation is vital for developing futuristic machines that recognize user intent correctly and offer relevant suggestions instantly. 

**What is the importance of  Image Annotation Services?**

Image annotation is one of the bedrocks of Artificial Intelligence. It helps AI models identify relevant information in images. As the use of AI and ML increases, organizations across the spectrum are relying on the impeccable training of their AI models to offer the best services. As per reports, image annotation services are expected to drive the data annotation tool market growth at a CAGR of 27.1% from 2021 to 2028. 

This is because more people are adopting smart solutions in their everyday life. And to align themselves to the evolving consumer demands, organizations are shifting toward offering AI-powered products. From smartphones that unlock through facial scanning to detecting abnormalities in a CT scan, image annotation services are required in every field today.

**Uses of  Image Annotation Services**

Today, no sector is independent of image annotation services. However, here are some common industries that are making some headway progress by applying image annotation for machine learning datasets. 

**_Healthcare_**

Image annotation in healthcare helps medical professionals detect anomalies in cellular structures. For example, if an AI algorithm is trained using annotated images of the different cells of the body, they can easily find unusual cells like cancer cells using their highly evolved imagery equipment.

**_Finance_**

The finance sector uses image annotation services to keep a record of high-value transactions and ATM withdrawals. Image annotation is also crucial to ensure the authenticity of financial documents uploaded online through mobile devices.

**_Agriculture_**

Drones and powerful satellites use annotated images to boost agricultural produce by detecting good quality seeds from the poor ones. These AI-powered devices can also distinguish crops from weeds to predict crop health and the produce. 

**Tools for Image Annotation Services**

As we have seen already, image annotation is a complex activity that requires a combination of experienced human hands backed by sophisticated software. Picking the best tools for image annotation for machine learning can be confusing as most of them have very similar features. But worry not, as we have compiled a list of the five most widely used user-friendly image annotation tools for your use. 

_Visual Object Tagging Tool (VOTT)_

This easy to install image annotation tool is from Microsoft and comes with many unique features. It can be used as a [video annotation](https://www.suntec.ai/video-annotation-services.html) tool. VOTT offers several learning opportunities. It supports formats like VOTT JSON, CSV, TensorFlow Records, etc.

_ImgLab_

ImgLab is a web-based image annotation tool, which can be installed on your device. However, since it is a web-based one, it allows you to visit any website and start the image labeling process. It has a user-friendly interface and no login requirements. 

_Computer Vision Annotation Tool (CVAT)_

CVAT is another fantastic image annotation tool by Intel. Similar to VOTT, CVAT can also be used for video annotation purposes. The interface has a clean and easy-to-understand look and comes with a bunch of useful features. CVAT comes with a cuboid feature which is not very commonly found in most image annotation tools. 

_Labellmg_

Another very easy-to-install image annotation tool, Labellmg is easy to install and easy to use. This tool provides two formats for saving files- YOLO and PascalVOC. This one is an ideal tool for bounding box requirements. 

_LabelMe_

LabelMe offers users six types of shapes which include polygon, point, rectangle, line, line strip, and circle. It is a very flexible tool that offers a good amount of ease and convenience to the users. Its ‘File List’ feature is one of its most remarkable features. When a user is labeling bulk images, there are chances that some remain left out and go unnoticed. The ‘File List’ feature is ideal for such a situation. It lists all the files in a single place and marks files that have been labeled. This way, users can easily find out if there is any file still left to be labeled. 

**Final thoughts**

As we know, there is a high demand for annotated images. However, there is a dearth of good and experienced image annotators. Hence, organizations opt to outsource image annotation services to reputed and reliable providers. Image annotation outsourcing allows access to high-quality, flawless services with assured data protection guarantees. SunTec Data is a leading image annotation company that provides flexible solutions according to the project requirement at competitive prices. 

Technology has engulfed every aspect of our lives. And to offer consistent products and services to customers, companies must adopt smart solutions like AI and image annotation for machine learning. Whether it is entertainment, security, education, or retail and manufacturing, image annotation services can help every sector boost their business by offering optimized data sets with quality annotated images.