NEWS
On June 12, 2024, the 10th ISDE International Lectures successfully concluded. This event, themed "How and why do some authors claim their data and models are good?", was organized by the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE), and graciously supported by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS). Prof. Robert Gilmore Pontius Jr. from Clark University, USA, feature this session. Prof. Pontius was invited to provide his insights on model construction and shared methods to assess and enhance the credibility of data and models.
Prof. Robert Gilmore Pontius Jr. delivered an insightful presentation on the critical issues surrounding data and model validation. Prof. Pontius, with his extensive background and academic knowledge, challenged the conventional wisdom on how researchers assert the quality of their data and models. He encouraged the audience to critically evaluate the metrics and thresholds used in their work, cautioning against the pitfalls of popularity and complexity as indicators of validity. Throughout his presentation, Prof. Pontius highlighted the need for a more thoughtful approach to model validation, citing his influential Death to Kappa paper, which argues against the use of Kappa indices in remote sensing accuracy assessments. Instead, he proposed simpler and more meaningful metrics for evaluating model performance. This speical lecture by Prof. Robert Gilmore Pontius Jr. not only provided valuable insights into the nuances of data and model validation but also inspired a new generation of researchers to uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity.
Over 5630 participants from around the world attended the 10th Lectures through Zoom, ISDE Bilibili platform, and other academic streaming platforms.
The ISDE International Lectures are organized by the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE) and supported by the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS). It is a series of online events which feature invited lectures by well-known international experts in the field of Digital Earth. The event will invite speakers to give lectures every two months. The purpose of the events is to bring international scholars in the relevant research fields of Digital Earth together to exchange academic perspectives, share research results, and disseminate the most cutting-edge and authoritative concept of Digital Earth.
