Methods for estimating population density in data-limited areas: Evaluating regression and tree-based models in Peru

dc.creatorAnderson, Weston
dc.creatorGuikema, Seth
dc.creatorZaitchik, Ben
dc.creatorPan, William
dc.date2014
dc.date2024-08-01T02:50:05Z
dc.date2024-08-01T02:50:05Z
dc.date.accessioned2026-06-27T15:17:31Z
dc.descriptionObtaining accurate small area estimates of population is essential for policy and health planning but is often difficult in countries with limited data. In lieu of available population data, small area estimate models draw information from previous time periods or from similar areas. This study focuses on model-based methods for estimating population when no direct samples are available in the area of interest. To explore the efficacy of tree-based models for estimating population density, we compare six different model structures including Random Forest and Bayesian Additive Regression Trees. Results demonstrate that without information from prior time periods, non-parametric tree-based models produced more accurate predictions than did conventional regression methods. Improving estimates of population density in non-sampled areas is important for regions with incomplete census data and has implications for economic, health and development policies.
dc.identifierhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/149856
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/100153
dc.languageen
dc.publisherPublic Library of Science
dc.rightsOpen Access
dc.sourceAnderson, Weston; Guikema, Seth; Zaitchik, Ben; and Pan, William. 2014. Methods for estimating population density in data-limited areas: Evaluating regression and tree-based models in Peru. PLoS ONE 9(7): e100037. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0100037
dc.subjectrivers
dc.subjectroads
dc.subjecttransport
dc.subjectpopulation density
dc.subjectland use
dc.subjectcensuses
dc.subjectbayesian theory
dc.titleMethods for estimating population density in data-limited areas: Evaluating regression and tree-based models in Peru
dc.typeJournal Article

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