PhD defence

Enhancement of the use of machine learning in digital soil mapping

PhD candidate CS (Stephan) van der Westhuizen
Promotor prof.dr.ir. GBM (Gerard) Heuvelink
External copromotor dr. David Hofmeyr &
dr. Laura Poggio
Organisation Wageningen University, Soil Geography and Landscape
Date

Fri 14 June 2024 11:00 to 12:30

Venue Omnia, building number 105
Hoge Steeg 2
105
6708 PH Wageningen
+31 (0) 317 - 484500
Room Auditorium

Summary

Machine learning utilises statistical models to identify interesting patterns in data to perform specific tasks without explicit human instructions. These models effectively quantify complex relationships between inputs and outputs, often achieving greater accuracy than simpler models. In digital soil mapping, which models and predicts spatial soil information, machine learning is frequently used. However, these models may be less interpretable and may face issues with input data, such as uncertainty and large errors in the soil data. This PhD project addresses these challenges, and others, ensuring optimally produced soil maps through improved machine learning methodology.