Post-graduate course

Uncertainty propagation in spatial and environmental modelling

Dates:  13 - 17 December 2010

 

SCOPE

Input data for spatial and environmental models may have been measured in the field or laboratory, derived from remotely sensed imagery or obtained from expert elicitation. Data are also often digitized, interpolated, classified or generalized prior to submission to a model. In all these cases errors are introduced. Although users may be aware that errors propagate through their models, they rarely pay attention to this problem. However, when the accuracy of the data is insufficient for the intended purpose then this may result in inaccurate model results, wrong conclusions and poor decisions. The purpose of this course is to familiarize participants with statistical methods to analyse uncertainty propagation in modelling, such that they can apply these methods to their own data and models. Both attribute and positional errors are considered. Attention is also given to the effects of spatial auto- and cross-correlations on the results of an uncertainty propagation analysis and on methods to determine the relative contribution of the individual sources of uncertainty to the accuracy of the final result. The methodology is illustrated with real-world examples.

 


CONTENTS

date

9:00 - 12.15

13:15 - 16:00

16:00 - 17:00

13 Dec

lectures and exercises probabilistic modelling of uncertainty, Taylor series method

computer practical Taylor series method

feedback exercises and computer practical

14 Dec

lecture and exercises Monte Carlo method, model error quantification

computer practical Monte Carlo method, model error quantification

feedback exercises and computer practical

15 Dec

lecture and exercises positional uncertainty propagation

computer practical positional uncertainty propagation

feedback exercises and computer practical

16 Dec

case: entire uncertainty propagation chain with focus on input uncertainty assessment

feedback case

17-Dec

free choice: work with own data, deepen knowledge in specific topic, discuss project with supervisors, et cetera

feedback own data analyses

course evaluation

uncertainty game (with prize, drinks and snacks)

End of Course

 


GENERAL INFORMATION

Target group:

PhD students and researchers working with spatial models who want to know how errors in inputs propagate to model outputs.

Group size:

minimum 15, maximum 25 participants

Course duration

5 days

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Basic knowledge of statistics, GIS and spatial modelling

Number of credits

1.5 ECTS 

Course leaders

Gerard Heuvelink & Sytze de Bruin

Location

 

 


COURSE FEE

PE&RC/SENSE PhD's with TSP

€ 300

Other PhD and staff WU

€ 600

Other participants

€ 1000

 


REGISTRATION

Please register by sending an email to pe-office@wur.nl, providing the following information:

 

Full registration only occurs once you have provided us with the requested information as stated above. Afterwards you will receive an official registration confirmation by one of the course organizers.

 


INFORMATION

For further information please contact:

Dr. Ir. Gerard Heuvelink

Tel: + 31 (0)317-486538

Email: Gerard.Heuvelink@wur.nl

 

Dr. Ir. Sytze de Bruin

Tel: + 31 (0)317-481830

Email: Sytze.deBruin@wur.nl 

 

Dr. C. Van de Vijver

Tel: + 31 (0)317-485116

Email: Claudius.vandeVijver@wur.nl