Merging GIS and Machine Learning Techniques: A Paper Review

Abstract

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data showcase locations of earth observations or features, their associated attributes and spatial relationships that exist between such observations. Analysis of GIS data varies widely and may include some modeling and predictions which are usually computing-intensive and complicated, especially, when large datasets are involved. With advancement in computing technologies, techniques such as Machine learning (ML) are being suggested as a potential game changer in the analysis of GIS data because of their comparative speed, accuracy, automation, and repeatability. Perhaps, the greatest benefit of using both GIS and ML is the ability to transfer results from one database to another. GIS and ML tools have been used extensively in medicine, urban development, and environmental modeling such as landslide susceptibility prediction (LSP). There is also the problem of data loss during conversion between GIS systems in medicine, while in geotechnical areas such as erosion and flood prediction, lack of data and variability in soil has limited the use of GIS and ML techniques. This paper gives an overview of the current ML methods that have been incorporated into the spatial analysis of data obtained from GIS tools for LSP, health, and urban development. The use of Supervised Machine Learning (SML) algorithms such as decision trees, SVM, KNN, and perceptron including Unsupervised Machine Learning algorithms such as k-means, elbow algorithms, and hierarchal algorithm have been discussed. Their benefits, as well as their shortcomings as studied by several researchers have been elucidated in this review. Finally, this review also discusses future optimization techniques.