Hyperparameter optimization of neural network-driven spatial models accelerated using cyber-enabled high-performance computing

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been extensively used for the spatially explicit modeling of complex geographic phenomena. However, because of the complexity of the computational process, there has been an inadequate investigation on the parameter configuration of neural networks. Most studies in the literature from GIScience rely on a trial-and-error approach to select the parameter setting for ANN-driven spatial models. Hyperparameter optimization provides support for selecting the optimal architectures of ANNs. Thus, in this study, we develop an automated hyperparameter selection approach to identify optimal neural networks for spatial modeling. Further, the use of hyperparameter optimization is challenging because hyperparameter space is often large and the associated computational demand is heavy. Therefore, we utilize high-performance computing to accelerate the model selection process. Furthermore, we involve spatial statistics approaches to improve the efficiency of hyperparameter optimization. The spatial model used in our case study is a land price evaluation model in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA. Our results demonstrate that the automated selection approach improves the model-level performance compared with linear regression, and the high-performance computing and spatial statistics approaches are of great help for accelerating and enhancing the selection of optimal neural networks for spatial modeling.