aiqbench analysis
This article introduces STeMP, a standardized protocol designed to enhance transparency and reproducibility in spatio-temporal machine learning models used for environmental research. By addressing critical methodological choices like cross-validation strategies and data distribution impacts, the framework aims to improve trust and comparability across scientific studies. The accompanying R-package provides practical tools for reporting model metadata, predictors, and evaluation metrics while flagging common pitfalls during the workflow.
STeMP: Spatio-Temporal Modelling Protocol
arXiv:2607.20592v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Spatio-temporal machine-learning modelling is an important tool in environmental research. However, machine-learning models are highly sensitive to both the characteristics of the training data, such as its distribution, and methodological choices, including the cross-validation strategy. Each decision has impact and implications on the model itself as well as the estimation of the model quality and applicability for certain purposes. Taking into account the large role of machine-learning based maps of the environment in science and their transfer into practice, transparent reporting of spatio-temporal models, ideally using standardized model protocols, is essential to enable trust, transparency and comparability. However, such protocols are currently lacking for spatio-temporal modelling. We propose STeMP (Spatio-Temporal Modelling Protocol) to fill this gap by serving two purposes: standardized reporting to understand the model functioning as well as providing guidance during the modelling process by pointing at critical decisions and parameters. The protocol is structured in three sections: Overview, Model and Prediction. The Overview section contains metadata, while the Model and Prediction sections go into detail, describing predictors, evaluation and software, and further relevant elements of the modelling workflow. The protocol definition is hosted on GitHub and accompanied by an R-package (https://github.com/LOEK-RS/STeMP). The R-package contains a web application that can be used to fill the protocol either manually or in a semi-automated way from provided modelling objects. Warnings are returned from the protocol when common pitfalls are encountered, which may help authors as a guide through the modelling process but also support reviewers in the assessment of modelling studies. Via GitHub, incorporation of contributions and feedback from the community is encouraged.
Abstract:Spatio-temporal machine-learning modelling is an important tool in environmental research. However, machine-learning models are highly sensitive to both the characteristics of the training data, such as its distribution, and methodological choices, including the cross-validation strategy. Each decision has impact and implications on the model itself as well as the estimation of the model quality and applicability for certain purposes. Taking into account the large role of machine-learning based maps of the environment in science and their transfer into practice, transparent reporting of spatio-temporal models, ideally using standardized model protocols, is essential to enable trust, transparency and comparability. However, such protocols are currently lacking for spatio-temporal modelling. We propose STeMP (Spatio-Temporal Modelling Protocol) to fill this gap by serving two purposes: standardized reporting to understand the model functioning as well as providing guidance during the modelling process by pointing at critical decisions and parameters. The protocol is structured in three sections: Overview, Model and Prediction. The Overview section contains metadata, while the Model and Prediction sections go into detail, describing predictors, evaluation and software, and further relevant elements of the modelling workflow. The protocol definition is hosted on GitHub and accompanied by an R-package (this https URL). The R-package contains a web application that can be used to fill the protocol either manually or in a semi-automated way from provided modelling objects. Warnings are returned from the protocol when common pitfalls are encountered, which may help authors as a guide through the modelling process but also support reviewers in the assessment of modelling studies. Via GitHub, incorporation of contributions and feedback from the community is encouraged.
Machine Learning (cs.LG)
arXiv:2607.20592 [cs.LG]
(or arXiv:2607.20592v1 [cs.LG] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2607.20592 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.
Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.
Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 359 words
Related coverage
Do LiDAR Language Models Really Understand Spatio-temporal Relationships?
arXiv · Sep 22, 2026
Transfer Learning for Edge Classification on Dynamic Text-Attributed Graphs
arXiv · Sep 30, 2026
VANTAGE-Bench: Evaluating the Infrastructure AI Gap in Vision-Language Models
arXiv · Sep 11, 2026
Investigating Query-Insensitive Behavior in Spatio-Temporal Video Grounding
arXiv · Oct 7, 2026