GIS

Machine Learning

A subset of AI where algorithms learn patterns from data to make predictions or decisions without explicit programming.

Detailed Definition

Machine Learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence where computer algorithms learn patterns from data and improve their performance without being explicitly programmed for each task.

Types of machine learning

Supervised Learning: - Trained on labeled examples - Predicts outcomes for new data - Examples: grade prediction, classification

Unsupervised Learning: - Finds patterns in unlabeled data - Discovers natural groupings - Examples: geological clustering, anomaly detection

Reinforcement Learning: - Learns through trial and error - Optimizes decisions over time - Examples: mine planning, route optimization

GIS and mining applications

Geological modeling: - Ore body delineation - Grade estimation - Structural interpretation

Remote sensing: - Land cover classification - Change detection - Mineral mapping

Document processing: - Extracting data from plats and deeds - Classifying document types - OCR enhancement

Predictive analytics: - Equipment failure prediction - Production forecasting - Cost estimation

Machine learning enables processing of large datasets that would be impractical to analyze manually.