Neural nets offer a fascinating new strategy for spatial analysis, and their application holds enormous potential for the geographic sciences. However, the number of studies that have utilized these techniques is limited. This lack of interest can be attributed, in part, to lack of exposure, to the use of extensive and often confusing jargon, and to the misapprehension that, without an underlying statistical model, the explanatory power of the neural net is very low. Neural Nets: Applications for Geography attacks all three issues; the text demonstrates a wide variety of neural net applications in geography in a simple manner, with minimal jargon. The volume presents an introduction to neural nets that describes some of the basic concepts, as well as providing a more mathematical treatise for those wishing further details on neural net architecture. The bulk of the text, however, is devoted to descriptions of neural net applications in such broad-ranging fields as census analysis, predicting the spread of AIDS, describing synoptic controls on mountain snowfall, examining the relationships between atmospheric circulation and tropical rainfall, and the remote sensing of polar cloud and sea ice characteristics. The text illustrates neural nets employed in modes analogous to multiple regression analysis, cluster analysis, and maximum likelihood classification. Not only are the neural nets shown to be equal or superior to these more conventional methods, particularly where the relationships have a strong nonlinear component, but they are also shown to contain significant explanatory power. Several chapters demonstrate that the nets themselves can be decomposed to illuminate causative linkages between different events in both the physical and human environments.

This book brings together a representative set of Earth System Science (ESS) applications of the neural network (NN) technique. It examines a progression of atmospheric and oceanic problems, which, from the mathematical point of view, can be formulated as complex, multidimensional, and nonlinear mappings. It is shown that these problems can be solved utilizing a particular type of NN – the multilayer perceptron (MLP). This type of NN applications covers the majority of NN applications developed in ESSs such as meteorology, oceanography, atmospheric and oceanic satellite remote sensing, numerical weather prediction, and climate studies. The major properties of the mappings and MLP NNs are formulated and discussed. Also, the book presents basic background for each introduced application and provides an extensive set of references. “This is an excellent book to learn how to apply artificial neural network methods to earth system sciences. The author, Dr. Vladimir Krasnopolsky, is a universally recognized master in this field. With his vast knowledge and experience, he carefully guides the reader through a broad variety of problems found in the earth system sciences where neural network methods can be applied fruitfully. (...) The broad range of topics covered in this book ensures that researchers/graduate students from many fields (...) will find it an invaluable guide to neural network methods.” (Prof. William W. Hsieh, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada) “Vladimir Krasnopolsky has been the “founding father” of applying computation intelligence methods to environmental science; (...) Dr. Krasnopolsky has created a masterful exposition of a young, yet maturing field that promises to advance a deeper understanding of best modeling practices in environmental science.” (Dr. Sue Ellen Haupt, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, USA) “Vladimir Krasnopolsky has written an important and wonderful book on applications of neural networks to replace complex and expensive computational algorithms within Earth System Science models. He is uniquely qualified to write this book, since he has been a true pioneer with regard to many of these applications. (...) Many other examples of creative emulations will inspire not just readers interested in the Earth Sciences, but any other modeling practitioner (...) to address both theoretical and practical complex problems that may (or will!) arise in a complex system." ” (Prof. Eugenia Kalnay, University of Maryland, USA)

The past fifteen years has witnessed an explosive growth in the fundamental research and applications of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and fuzzy logic (FL). The main impetus behind this growth has been the ability of such methods to offer solutions not amenable to conventional techniques, particularly in application domains involving pattern recognition, prediction and control. Although the origins of ANNs and FL may be traced back to the 1940s and 1960s, respectively, the most rapid progress has only been achieved in the last fifteen years. This has been due to significant theoretical advances in our understanding of ANNs and FL, complemented by major technological developments in high-speed computing. In geophysics, ANNs and FL have enjoyed significant success and are now employed routinely in the following areas (amongst others): 1. Exploration Seismology. (a) Seismic data processing (trace editing; first break picking; deconvolution and multiple suppression; wavelet estimation; velocity analysis; noise identification/reduction; statics analysis; dataset matching/prediction, attenuation), (b) AVO analysis, (c) Chimneys, (d) Compression I dimensionality reduction, (e) Shear-wave analysis, (f) Interpretation (event tracking; lithology prediction and well-log analysis; prospect appraisal; hydrocarbon prediction; inversion; reservoir characterisation; quality assessment; tomography). 2. Earthquake Seismology and Subterranean Nuclear Explosions. 3. Mineral Exploration. 4. Electromagnetic I Potential Field Exploration. (a) Electromagnetic methods, (b) Potential field methods, (c) Ground penetrating radar, (d) Remote sensing, (e) inversion.

This unique work introduces the basic principles of artificial intelligence with applications in geographical teaching and research, GIS, and planning. Written in an accessible, non-technical and witty style, this book marks the beginning of the Al revolution in geography with major implications for teaching and research. The authors provide an easy to understand basic introduction to Al relevant to geography. There are no special mathematical and statistical skills needed, indeed these might well be a hindrance. Al is a different way of looking at the world and it requires a willingness to experiment, and readers who are unhindered by the baggage of obsolete technologies and outmoded philosophies of science will probably do best. The text provides an introduction to expert systems, neural nets, genetic algorithms, smart systems and artificial life and shows how they are likely to transform geographical enquiry. A major methodological milestone in geography The first geographical book on artificial intelligence (Al) No need for previous mathematical or statistical skills/knowledge Accessible style makes a difficult subject available to a wide audience Stan Openshaw is one of the world? s leading researchers into geographical computing, spatial analysis and GIS.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide an enhanced environment for spatial data processing. The ability of geographic information systems to handle and analyse spatially referenced data may be seen as a major characteristic which distinguishes GIS from information systems developed to serve the needs of business data processing as well as from CAD systems or other systems whose primary objective is map production. This book, which contains contributions from a wide-ranging group of international scholars, demonstrates the progress which has been achieved so far at the interface of GIS technology and spatial analysis and planning. The various contributions bring together theoretical and conceptual, technical and applied issues. Topics covered include the design and use of GIS and spatial models, AI tools for spatial modelling in GIS, spatial statistical analysis and GIS, GIS and dynamic modelling, GIS in urban planning and policy making, information systems for policy evaluation, and spatial decision support systems.

A state-of-the-art view of recent developments in the use of artificial neural networks for analysing remotely sensed satellite data. Neural networks, as a new form of computational paradigm, appear well suited to many of the tasks involved in this image analysis. This book demonstrates a wide range of uses of neural networks for remote sensing applications and reports the views of a large number of European experts brought together as part of a concerted action supported by the European Commission.

R. S. GOVINDARAJU and ARAMACHANDRA RAO School of Civil Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette, IN. , USA Background and Motivation The basic notion of artificial neural networks (ANNs), as we understand them today, was perhaps first formalized by McCulloch and Pitts (1943) in their model of an artificial neuron. Research in this field remained somewhat dormant in the early years, perhaps because of the limited capabilities of this method and because there was no clear indication of its potential uses. However, interest in this area picked up momentum in a dramatic fashion with the works of Hopfield (1982) and Rumelhart et al. (1986). Not only did these studies place artificial neural networks on a firmer mathematical footing, but also opened the dOOf to a host of potential applications for this computational tool. Consequently, neural network computing has progressed rapidly along all fronts: theoretical development of different learning algorithms, computing capabilities, and applications to diverse areas from neurophysiology to the stock market. . Initial studies on artificial neural networks were prompted by adesire to have computers mimic human learning. As a result, the jargon associated with the technical literature on this subject is replete with expressions such as excitation and inhibition of neurons, strength of synaptic connections, learning rates, training, and network experience. ANNs have also been referred to as neurocomputers by people who want to preserve this analogy.

Self-Organising Maps: Applications in GI Science brings together the latest geographical research where extensive use has been made of the SOM algorithm, and provides readers with a snapshot of these tools that can then be adapted and used in new research projects. The book begins with an overview of the SOM technique and the most commonly used (and freely available) software; it is then sectioned to look at the different uses of the technique, namely clustering, data mining and cartography, from a range of application-areas in the biophysical and socio-economic environments. Only book that takes SOM algorithm to the GIS and Geography research communities The Editors draw together expert contributors from the UK, Europe, USA, New Zealand, and South Africa Covers a range of techniques in clustering, data mining cartography, all featuring an appropriate case study

This comprehensive handbook covers Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI), which is the integration of geospatial studies and AI machine (deep) learning and knowledge graph technologies. It explains key fundamental concepts, methods, models, and technologies of GeoAI, and discusses the recent advances, research tools, and applications that range from environmental observation and social sensing to natural disaster responses. As the first single volume on this fast-emerging domain, Handbook of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence is an excellent resource for educators, students, researchers, and practitioners utilizing GeoAI in fields such as information science, environment and natural resources, geosciences, and geography. Features Provides systematic introductions and discussions of GeoAI theory, methods, technologies, applications, and future perspectives Covers a wide range of GeoAI applications and case studies in practice Offers supplementary materials such as data, programming code, tools, and case studies Discusses the recent developments of GeoAI methods and tools Includes contributions written by top experts in cutting-edge GeoAI topics This book is intended for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students from different disciplines and those taking GIS courses in geography or computer sciences as well as software engineers, geospatial industry engineers, GIS professionals in non-governmental organizations, and federal/state agencies who use GIS and want to learn more about GeoAI advances and applications.