Re-considering the status quo: Improving calibration of land use change models through validation of transition potential predictions

The increasing complexity of the dynamics captured in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change modelling has made model behaviour less transparent and calibration more extensive. For cellular automata models in particular, this is compounded by the fact that validation is typically performed indirectly, using final simulated change maps; rather than directly considering the probabilistic predictions of transition potential. This study demonstrates that evaluating transition potential predictions provides detail into model behaviour and performance that cannot be obtained from simulated map comparison alone. This is illustrated by modelling LULC transitions in Switzerland using both Logistic Regression and Random Forests. The results emphasize the need for LULC modellers to explicitly consider the performance of individual transition models independently to ensure robust predictions. Additionally, this study highlights the potential for predictor variable selection as a means to improve transition model generalizability and parsimony, which is beneficial for simulating future LULC change.

Automated summary

The increasing complexity of LULC change modelling has made model behaviour less transparent and calibration more extensive. Typically, validation is done indirectly using final simulated maps, but this study demonstrates the importance of evaluating transition potential predictions for better understanding model behaviour and performance. The results emphasize the need for LULC modellers to consider individual transition models' performance and explore predictor variable selection to improve future LULC change simulations.