First launched in May 2000, '''eCognition''' introduced the computer method for extracting information from images using a hierarchy of image objects (groups of pixels) as opposed to traditional pixel processing methods. The technology, referred to as Cognition Network Technology, was realized by Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. [[Gerd Binnig]] together with a team of researchers at Definiens AG [http://www.definiens.com] in Munich, Germany. In June 2010, [http://www.trimble.com/ Trimble Navigation Ltd] (NASDAQ: TRMB) acquired Definiens business assets<ref>Trimble / Definiens Joint Press Release: "Trimble Acquires Definiens’ Earth Sciences Business to Expand its GeoSpatial Portfolio". June 11, 2010. http://www.ecognition.com/sites/default/files/Trimble%20eCognition.pdf</ref> in earth sciences markets including eCognition software.
== Cognition Network Technology ==
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== Community ==
The online eCognition community [http://community.ecognition.com] was launched in July 2009 and had 2813 members as of July 9, 2010.<ref>According to http://community.ecognition.com, July 9, 2010</ref> Membership is distributed globally and user conferences are held regularly, the last having taken place in November 2009 <ref>See http://www.ecognition.com/ecognition-user-summit-munich-2009</ref> in Munich, Germany. The bi-annual GEOBIA [http://geobia.ugent.be/](Geographic Object Based Image Analysis) conference is heavily attended by eCognition users, with the majority of presentations based on eCognition software.
