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6th-8th August 2014
The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) will be running a 2.5 day workshop to introduce participants to modelling spatially explicit change in environmental impact assessment in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The course will comprise both taught and practical sessions, with time for discussion on the morning of the third day.
In line with results based on a large scale study undertaken by CREEM (commissioned by Marine Scotland) we introduce the recommended modelling approach for baseline characterisation and EIA analyses. Specifically, we outline the CReSS spatially adaptive smoothing method using SALSA for model selection (Mackenzie et al., 2013, Scott-Hayward et al., 2013a, Walker et al., 2011). This workshop will introduce these methods to the participants and describe how they can be used for EIA analysis using the MRSea package in R.
The content of the course is below:
Introduction:
- Basic features of baseline characterisation and EIA data
- Survey methods
- Correcting for imperfect detection: Distance sampling analyses
- Modelling spatially explicit change:
- Exploratory data analysis
- Model fitting using CReSS and SALSA
- Diagnostic tools
- Prediction and inference and the identification of compelling spatially explicit change
We will illustrate the taught and practical material based on simulated data based on existing (large off-shore) marine renewables developments. This data is found within the R package we will use throughout – the MRSea package.
The workshop will begin at 09:00 on Wednesday 6th August, with registration at CREEM from 08:45 and will finish at lunchtime on Friday 8th.
Useful References
- Mackenzie, M.L, Scott-Hayward,L.A.S., Oedekoven, C.S., Skov, H., Humphreys, E., and Rexstad E. (2013). Statistical Modelling of Seabird and Cetacean data: Guidance Document. University of St. Andrews contract for Marine Scotland; SB9 (CR/2012/05).
- Scott-Hayward, L.A.S., Oedekoven, C.S., Mackenzie, M.L., Walker, C.G. and Rexstad E. (2013b). User Guide for the MRSea Package: Statistical Modelling of bird and cetacean distributions in o shore renewables development areas. University of St. Andrews contract for Marine Scotland; SB9 (CR/2012/05).
- Scott-Hayward, L., Mackenzie, M. L., Donovan, C. R., Walker, C. G., and Ashe, E. (2013a). Complex Region Spatial Smoother (CReSS). Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics.
- Walker, C., Mackenzie, M., Donovan, C., and O’Sullivan, M. (2011). SALSA – a Spatially Adaptive Local Smoothing Algorithm. Journal of Statistical Computation and Simulation 81, 179-191.
Registration Fee
The number of participants on each workshop will be restricted to 35. Places will be filled on a first-come, first served basis on the receipt of a completed registration form and payment in full.
The Early-bird fee of 400.00 GBP for the workshop is available until 7th July 2014, after 7th July the fee will increase to 450.00 GBP.
Fees cover tuition, all course materials, tea/coffee breaks and lunches.
Location and Travel
Information is available here.
Accommodation
Accommodation information is available here.
Enquiries
For information please contact Rhona Rodger at:
Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling
University of St Andrews
The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens
St. Andrews
Scotland KY16 9LZ
Tel:+44 1334 461842
Fax: +44 1334 461800
Email: rmr5@st-andrews.ac.uk