METMA X. Proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on Spatio-Temporal Modelling. Lleida (Spain) 1-3 June 2022

Abstract

Our understanding of the environment, its connections to biodiversity, health and well being as well as how it is changing are informed by data. The mechanisms and procedures generating those data are continually evolving, which means that the complexity of environmental systems can be studied in greater depth, and hidden connections discovered. Statistical methods also need to evolve to deal with these new data streams. It is in this landscape, that we often see mention of the digital environment agenda, or sometimes digital twin, and more recently digital earth initiatives. These terms all capture the concept that we are studying a temporally evolving system over space, and that monitoring and measurement are essential. Using examples of freshwater quality and biodiversity connectivity, I will illustrate some of the challenges and potential solutions to statistical thinking about a digital earth.