STOCK ASSESSMENT

Geostatistics provides a relevant solution aiming at estimating globally the resource stock, together with an estimate of the related uncertainty (kriging variance). This stock assessment is impacted by the spatial structure of the resource distribution, captured with the variogram. Stock assessment then allows setting up relevant constraints about the resource use in order to ensure its sustainability.

SAMPLING OPTIMIZATION

The probabilistic framework of geostatistics enables the calculation of different uncertainty indices such as the estimation variance or confidence intervals related to the estimate of the target variable. Therefore, it is possible to tune additional sample locations to reduce specific uncertainty criteria. In the case of the estimation variance, as this one only depends on the spatial structure and the data configuration, additional samples will be located in under-sampled areas. Points located to reduce confidence intervals around kriging estimates will be expected to be in areas with high variability.

BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF RESOURCE BEHAVIOUR

Exploratory data analysis first allows identifying and handling data anomalies and anisotropies using appropriate statistical representations: basemap, histogram, q-q plot, variogram map, logs, 3D viewer. Analyzing the spatial distribution of the resource and its relationship with its environment improves the understanding of its spatial dynamics. As a consequence, the resource is better managed and potential health risks are better anticipated.