Explanipedia

Addressing spatial imprecision in deep learning for satellite imagery-based socioeconomic predictions Open

Heather Baier, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2025

This paper introduces the Spatial Imprecision Adjustment (SIA) method, a neural-network-based post-processing framework designed to enhance the predictive accuracy of geospatial deep learning models trained on imprecise labels, a common ch…

BathyFormer: A Transformer-Based Deep Learning Method to Map Nearshore Bathymetry with High-Resolution Multispectral Satellite Imagery Open

Zhonghui Lv, Julie Herman, Ethan Brewer, Karinna Nunez, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2025

Geology Engineering

Accurate mapping of nearshore bathymetry is essential for coastal management, navigation, and environmental monitoring. Traditional bathymetric mapping methods such as sonar surveys and LiDAR are often time-consuming and costly. This paper…

From Prediction to Explanation: Using Explainable AI to Understand Satellite-Based Riot Forecasting Models Open

Scott E. Warnke, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2025

Computer science Geology Geography

This study investigates the application of explainable AI (XAI) techniques to understand the deep learning models used for predicting urban conflict from satellite imagery. First, a ResNet18 convolutional neural network achieved 89% accura…

Spatially Adaptive Convolutional Networks with Coordinate-Conditioned Layers Open

Heather Baier, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2024

Computer science

In this study, we present a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture, GeoConv, designed to improve the accuracy and adaptability of deep learning models using satellite imagery. Traditional CNNs, such as ResNet18, employ fixed-weigh…

Spatiotemporal Prediction of Conflict Fatality Risk Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Satellite Imagery Open

Seth Goodman, Ariel BenYishay, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2024

Computer science Geology Engineering

As both satellite imagery and image-based machine learning methods continue to improve and become more accessible, they are being utilized in an increasing number of sectors and applications. Recent applications using convolutional neural …

Predicting Protests and Riots in Urban Environments With Satellite Imagery and Deep Learning Open

Scott E. Warnke, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2024

Geography Computer science Engineering

Conflict, manifesting as riots and protests, is a common occurrence in urban environments worldwide. Understanding their likely locations is crucial to policymakers, who may (for example) seek to provide overseas travelers with guidance on…

Mapping the tidal marshes of coastal Virginia: a hierarchical transfer learning approach Open

Zhonghui Lv, Karinna Nunez, Ethan Brewer, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2023

Environmental science Geography Geology

Coastal wetlands, especially tidal marshes, play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems and slowing shoreline erosion. Accurate and cost-effective identification and classification of various marsh types, such as high and low marshes, are…

Tracking the industrial growth of modern China with high-resolution panchromatic imagery: A sequential convolutional approach Open

Ethan Brewer, Zhonghui Lv, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2023

Computer science Geology Geography

Due to insufficient or difficult to obtain data on development in inaccessible regions, remote sensing data is an important tool for interested stakeholders to collect information on economic growth. To date, no studies have utilized deep …

Deep learning fusion of satellite and social information to estimate human migratory flows Open

Daniel Miller Runfola, Heather Baier, Laura Mills, Maeve Naughton‐Rockwell, Anthony Stefanidis · 2022

Geography Computer science Engineering

Human migratory decisions are driven by a wide range of factors, including economic and environmental conditions, conflict, and evolving social dynamics. These factors are reflected in disparate data sources, including household surveys, s…

geoBoundaries Global Administrative Zones version 6.0.0 Open

Daniel Miller Runfola · 2021

Computer science

The geoBoundaries Global Administrative Database (geoBoundaries) is an online, open license resource of the geographic boundaries of political administrative divisions (i.e., state, county) for every country in the world. geoBoundaries pro…

Toponym-assisted map georeferencing: Evaluating the use of toponyms for the digitization of map collections Open

Karim Bahgat, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2021

Computer science Geography Materials science

A great deal of information is contained within archival maps—ranging from historic political boundaries, to mineral resources, to the locations of cultural landmarks. There are many ongoing efforts to preserve and digitize historic maps s…

Predicting road quality using high resolution satellite imagery: A transfer learning approach Open

Ethan Brewer, Jason Lin, Peter Kemper, John Hennin, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2021

Computer science Geography Engineering

Recognizing the importance of road infrastructure to promote human health and economic development, actors around the globe are regularly investing in both new roads and road improvements. However, in many contexts there is a sparsity—or c…

Toponym-assisted map georeferencing: Evaluating the use of toponyms for the digitization of map collections Open

Karim Bahgat, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2021

Geography Computer science

A great deal of information is contained within archival maps—ranging from historic political boundaries, to mineral resources, to the locations of cultural landmarks. There are many ongoing efforts to preserve and digitize historic maps s…

A convolutional neural network approach to predict non‐permissive environments from moderate‐resolution imagery Open

Seth Goodman, Ariel BenYishay, Daniel Miller Runfola · 2020

Computer science Geography Physics

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained with satellite imagery have been successfully used to generate measures of development indicators, such as poverty, in developing nations. This article explores a CNN‐based approach leveraging L…

geoBoundaries: A global database of political administrative boundaries Open

Daniel Miller Runfola, Austin Anderson, Heather Baier, Matt Crittenden, Elizabeth Dowker , et al. · 2020

Computer science Political science Mathematics

We present the geoBoundaries Global Administrative Database (geoBoundaries): an online, open license resource of the geographic boundaries of political administrative divisions (i.e., state, county). Contrasted to other resources geoBounda…

Exploring the Socioeconomic Co-benefits of Global Environment Facility Projects in Uganda Using a Quasi-Experimental Geospatial Interpolation (QGI) Approach Open

Daniel Miller Runfola, Geeta Batra, Anupam Anand, Audrey Way, Seth Goodman · 2020

Business Geography Computer science

Since 1992, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has mobilized over $131 billion in funds to enable developing and transitioning countries to meet the objectives of international environmental conventions and agreements. While multiple st…

geoBoundaries-2_0_0-AND-ADM1.geojson Open