Sensitivity Analysis

Synonyms

Sampling-based methods; Sensitivity test; Susceptibility analysis

Definition

Sensitivity analysis is the process of ascertaining how the change in the outputs of a given model depends upon the changes in model input factors (variables or parameters). A spatial sensitivity analysis is to apportion the variance of outputs of a spatial analysis or spatial prediction model to the variation of model input attributes, such as elevation, land use/land cover, erosion factor, and spatial data resolution. If a small change in input variables or model parameters results in a relatively large change in the output, the output is said to be sensitive to the variables or parameters. Sensitivity analysis is usually conducted via a series of tests in which the modeler uses different input values that vary around a central value within certain bounds to see how a change in input causes a change in the model output. By showing the dependence of a model on input variables or parameters,...