Set Pair Analysis in Earth and Environmental Sciences: Development, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Abstract

Set pair analysis (SPA) is a method to describe and deal with uncertainty in systems by using the connection number. It has been widely used in earth and environmental sciences and has become increasingly important in decision-making for environmental protection, risk evaluation, and disaster prediction. This paper reviewed the development of SPA with focus on its application in earth and environmental sciences. In addition, the challenges faced by SPA development in earth and environmental sciences were discussed. The development of SPA enriches and improves the ways of treating uncertainties in decision-making processes. However, there are still several theoretical problems to be solved. This review deepens our understanding into the application of SPA in earth and environmental sciences, promoting its wider development and application in these research fields.