Overview of Sensitivity Analysis Methods in Earth Observation Modeling

Abstract Various methods of sensitivity analysis each achieving different aims are available in the technical literature domain, and their use depends on the scientific question of interest as well as the resources available. In Earth observation (EO) computer models are used with numerous uncertainties, which must be understood for understanding the robustness of any prediction. In this chapter, an overview of the most likely appropriate sensitivity analysis method for EO science is provided and the subsequent chapters present examples of their use in EO to date. These methods are grouped into three basic categories: one-at-a-time, local, and global sensitivity analyses. Sampling methods, graphical methods, and surrogate modeling will also be introduced.