GIS Modelling

GEOG 3731, 8731

 Model Parsimony
Broad Definition: The balance between generalisation and precision.

• Over-fitted models may have too many parameters (Betas, knots or nodes) and
while they are precise, they are not generalisable.

• In other words we cannot predict ahead in time or space, nor can we extrapolate.

• Models that are too ‘general’, have no precision.

•
• For example, a model that says “all-humans live on the earth” is an accurate general
statement but is not precise.
Our model of the real world

Generalisation Balance Precision

Envelope Models
 Step 1. Raster data extraction
Example
 2. Scatter plot of raster values, for each point location
(the point attributes do not play into this)

Slope Issue:

No presences

Density
3. Bounding envelope created (max and min values from each raster grid)

Slope

50

30

10 18 Density
4. Raster output grid (the cells satisfying both ranges = 1)
(predictions in other areas, not just where sample points were)

Raster calculator example:

[Slope] >= 30.0 and [Slope] <= 50 and [Density] >= 10 and [Density] <= 18
Envelopes can be multi-dimensional (> =2)
- i.e. any number of raster grids
Bioclim - in R (https://rforge.net/doc/packages/climates/bioclim.html)
http://www.edenextdata.com/?q=content/bioclim-bioclimatic-variables-2000-and-projected-change-2020-2050-2080
http://fennerschool.anu.edu.au/research/products/anuclim-vrsn-61
> For more information on Bioclim see .ppt:

> http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&ved=0CFoQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcria.org.br%2Feve
ntos%2Ftdbi%2Fbis%2Fpresentations%2Fbis_chapman.ppt&ei=bjcJVeFp1N7wBbLSgIAP&usg=AFQjCNFMIZ5gPMrSh2hBAeYArmH
KxJPUgQ&sig2=MM0j-E2zFGEJNWDhyyQURQ
Classification Trees
nodes
Regression Trees
 Parsimony is achieved by looking at the relationship between for
the standard error and the number of nodes in the tree.

 The tree is pruned back until the above relationship reaches and
inflection.

http://www.alanfielding.co.uk/multivar/crt/dt_example_04.htm
Generalised Additive Models
GLM - Revision
GLM - Revsion
GAMs
GAMs – graphically showing non-parametric responses
Penalized (pruned) knots stops over-fitting
Over-fitting