Three way k-fold cross-validation of resource selection functions

Trevor S. Wiens, Brenda C. Dale, Mark S. Boyce and G. Peter Kershaw

Ecological Modelling, 2008, vol. 212, issue 3, 244-255

Abstract: A resource selection function (RSF) yields a prediction that is proportional to the probability of use of a resource unit by an organism. Because many apparently adequate models fail in new areas or time periods we developed a method for model selection and evaluation based on the model’s ability to predict generally, spatially, and temporally. This work is an extension of previous work using k-fold cross-validation to evaluate models developed using presence-only study designs. A RSF model’s utility is its ability to predict, so this method is applicable to any RSF model regardless of study design. The use and application of our proposed 3-way evaluation using the RSF Plot Index (RPI) statistic is illustrated using survey data of grassland birds, Landsat imagery, soil data, and a Digital Elevation Model from the Canadian Forces Base Suffield in southeastern Alberta. The sensitivity of the RPI statistic to the number and placement of bins is addressed and a method is presented to ameliorate this problem. The 3-way method provides the means to not only select the model with the best predictive power, but to understand the limitations of all models under consideration. Test results of best models using an independent field season are presented.

Keywords: Baird’s Sparrow; Habitat selection; Horned Lark; k-Fold cross-validation; Model selection; Prediction; Resource selection function; Spatial variation; Sprague’s Pipit; Temporal variation; Validation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:212:y:2008:i:3:p:244-255

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.10.005

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