Published in

Elsevier, Geoderma, (259-260), p. 134-148

DOI: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2015.05.014

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

On the application of Bayesian Networks in Digital Soil Mapping

This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Red circle
Postprint: archiving forbidden
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Two corresponding issues concerning Digital Soil Mapping are the demand for up-to-date, fine resolution soil data and the need to determine soil–landscape relationships. In this study, we propose a Bayesian Network framework as a suitable modelling approach to fulfil these requirements. Bayesian Networks are graphical probabilistic models in which predictions are obtained using prior probabilities derived from either measured data or expert opinion. They represent cause and effect relationships through connections in a network system. The advantage of the Bayesian Networks approach is that the models are easy to interpret and the uncertainty inherent in the relationships between variables can be expressed in terms of probability. In this study we will define the fundamentals of a Bayesian Network and the probability theory that underpins predictions. Then, using case studies, we demonstrate how they can be applied to predict soil properties (bulk density) and soil taxonomic class (associations).