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At least 541 records · Page 30

Machine Learning-Based Atmospheric Phenomena Detection Platform

As the number of Earth pointing satellites has increased over the last several decades, the data volume retrieved from instruments onboard these satellites has also increased. It is expected that this trend will continue as more data intensive missions and small satellite constellations are launched. Currently, feature detection - namely atmospheric phenomena - in these datasets is performed manually and is thus not scalable with the growing data archives. Recent advancements in computational efficiency allow for the Earth science community to leverage machine learning to identify interesting atmospheric phenomena. Given the wide range of distinctive features in various atmospheric phenomena, a specialized machine learning model is required for accurate detection of these phenomena independently. The Phenomena Portal, developed at NASA IMPACT, is designed to provide visualization for the output from these machine learning models. In addition, detected events for each atmospheric phenomena are stored in a database that can be used to more easily use/subset larger spatiotemporal datasets. The user interface also incorporates additional features to enhance the user experience including spatiotemporal analysis, multiple base layer images, and a slider to filter events with lower probabilities of positive detection. Each detection supports user feedback on whether the detection is true or false that can then be stored and used to improve the machine learning model performance.

Gurung, Iksha↗

Understanding Machine Learning in Earth Science: A Natural Language Processing Approach

Machine learning (ML) is being increasingly utilized in Earth science research. Benefits of ML include efficiency, reduction of human error, and ability to extract hidden patterns within data. However, the mutual lack of each other’s domain knowledge by ML and Earth science stands as a barrier to timely and effective implementation. Earth science, in particular, faces challenges in generating sample data, compared to those of traditional ML problems such as face recognition or stock predictions, where data is abundant and not lacking in ground truth, which is necessary for labeling. Earth science data are more varying in formats, such as HDF5 and image resolutions, and are not standardized across instruments, even within a given Earth science discipline. Previous studies have been done to outline the specific challenges that Earth science faces with ML, while others have focused on using existing publications to mine information efficiently. Other resources such as Scikit-Learn have developed decision trees for choosing appropriate machine learning algorithms, but application within Earth science subjects becomes much more complex. For the current study, we propose a methodology and tool that aids in implementation of ML in Earth science using natural language processing (NLP). Our work comprises three main parts: (1) analyzing existing publications related to ML and Earth science, using natural language processing: (2) extracting from the publications information on ML models subjects in Earth Science: and (3) visualizing the extracted relationships as a network graph. The resulting network graph should aid the Earth science communities in applying optimal ML algorithms and guiding data preparation through visualization of similar studies. The network graph and analysis of document similarity will be the basis of our next step, which is to develop a decision tree for selecting optimal machine learning methodologies for specified Earth science applications.

Zheng, Laura↗

Deep Learning Emulation of Atmospheric Correction for Geostationary Sensors

New generation geostationary satellites make reflectance observations available at a continental scale with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and spectral range. Generating Earth monitoring products from these observations requires retrieval of the basic parameter, surface reflectance (SR), by atmospheric correction (AC). Algorithms for atmospheric correction, including Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC), are adapted for each sensor and are too computationally complex to be run in real time, relying instead on look-up tables with precomputed values. Machine learning methods, including convolutional neural networks, have demonstrated performance in learning complex, nonlinear mappings and extracting insight from high-dimensional remote sensing data. In this work, we present a deep learning emulator of MAIAC to retrieve both SR and cloud products. Using this adaptation of deep learning-based emulation to remote sensing, we demonstrate stable SR retrieval over a variety of land covers and viewing conditions and accurate cloud detection. Further, a comparison of computation time suggests emulation as a compelling alternative for expensive physical simulation, especially for applications benefited by near-real time data, such as agricultural management and disaster response.

Duffy, Kate↗

Application of Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamics for Physics-Informed Learning

Advances in machine learning and deep neural networks has enabled complex engineering tasks like image recognition, anomaly detection, regression, and multi-objective optimization, to name but a few. The complexity of the algorithm architecture, e.g., the number of hidden layers in a deep neural network, typically grows with the complexity of the problems they are required to solve, leaving little room for interpreting (or explaining) the path that results in a specific solution. This drawback is particularly relevant for autonomous aerospace and aviation systems, where certifications require a complete understanding of the algorithm behavior in all possible scenarios. Including physics knowledge in such data-driven tools may improve the interpretability of the algorithms, thus enhancing model validation against events with low probability but relevant for system certification. Such events include, for example, spacecraft or aircraft sub-system failures, for which data may not be available in the training phase. This paper investigates a recent physics-informed learning algorithm for identification of system dynamics, and shows how the governing equations of a system can be extracted from data using sparse regression. The learned relationships can be utilized as a surrogate model which, unlike typical data-driven surrogate models, relies on the learned underlying dynamics of the system rather than large number of fitting parameters. The work shows that the algorithm can reconstruct the differential equations underlying the observed dynamics using a single trajectory when no uncertainty is involved. However, the training set size must increase when dealing with stochastic systems, e.g., nonlinear dynamics with random initial conditions.

Corbetta, Matteo↗

Hazard Contribution Modes of Machine Learning Components

Amongst the essential steps to be taken towards developing and deploying safe systems with embedded learning-enabled components (LECs) i.e., software components that use ma- chine learning (ML)—are to analyze and understand the con- tribution of the constituent LECs to safety, and to assure that those contributions have been appropriately managed. This paper addresses both steps by, first, introducing the notion of hazard contribution modes (HCMs) a categorization of the ways in which the ML elements of LECs can contribute to hazardous system states; and, second, describing how argumentation patterns can capture the reasoning that can be used to assure HCM mitigation. Our framework is generic in the sense that the categories of HCMs developed i) can admit different learning schemes, i.e., supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, and ii) are not dependent on the type of system in which the LECs are embedded, i.e., both cyber and cyber-physical systems. One of the goals of this work is to serve a starting point for systematizing L analysis towards eventually automating it in a tool.

Smith, Colin↗

Practical Aspects of Real-Time Modeling for the Learn-To-Fly Concept

Practical aspects of autonomous onboard real-time modeling for the NASA Learn-to-Fly concept are examined using flight data from two subscale test aircraft. A practical real-time global nonlinear aerodynamic modeling method is developed and explained, along with the multiple-input excitation needed for effective real-time modeling. Critical issues for integrating real-time global nonlinear aerodynamic modeling and local linear modeling with the real-time learning adaptive control and guidance elements of the Learn-to-Fly algorithm are identified and discussed. Real-time modeling results from NASA Learn-to-Fly flight demonstrations are presented and evaluated using model fit metrics and prediction tests.

Morelli, Eugene A.↗

Autonomous Spacecraft Attitude Control Using Deep Reinforcement Learning

While machine learning and spacecraft autonomy continue to gain research interest, significant work remains to be done in efficiently applying modern machine learning techniques to problems in space ight. This study presents a framework for deriving a discrete neural spacecraft attitude controller using reinforcement learning, a paradigm of machine learning, without the need for high-performance computing. The developed attitude controller is an approximately time-optimal solution to a highly constrained control problem, able to achieve well above industry-standard pointing accuracies. Control examples are also presented of the agent performing large-angle spacecraft slews in the developed simulation environment and future extensions of this work are discussed.

ATAP↗

ImageLabler: Labeling and Managing Image Data for Machine Learning in the Earth Sciences

While machine learning techniques for image classification have been around for a long time, storing and managing the vast number of images required as training data is still a problem for scientists. This is especially true for the field of Earth science, where only recently have experts begun using machine learning techniques for image-based phenomena classification. Image Labeler, a fast and scalable cloud-based tagging platform for Earth science images, seeks to improve upon existing methods of managing images and associated metadata, such as maintaining categorized folders of images on a local machine, a process that can be cumbersome and difficult to scale. The platform facilitates rapid development of image-based Earth science phenomena training datasets by allowing scientists to upload their existing imagery as well as extract new samples from open satellite imagery services made available through NASA’s Global Imagery Browse Service (GIBS). Image Labeler also supports GeoTIFF data, with capabilities such as displaying GeoTIFFs on an interactive map, drawing shapefiles over them, and tagging them with additional metadata. This allows scientists to perform spatiotemporal subsetting with geographic information and develop training data more quickly. Built using modern web technologies, Image Labeler includes additional capabilities such as team collaboration for large-scale image tagging projects. Users can download their data in a machine-learning-ready format, allowing scientists to spend time on experimentation rather than on the collection of training data. In this presentation, we demonstrate how Image Labeler seeks to become a one-stop image data management solution for machine learning applications in Earth science.

Ashish Acharya↗

NASA Earth: Synthetic Spectranomics - Deep Learning of Surface 3-D Geometry, Chemistry, and Hyperspectra to Inform Next-generation Land Models

Machine and deep learning (ML/DL) have transformed our approach to Earth observation and system modeling (EOSM), unifying both in view of ML/DL models as a form of data assimilation (DA). Trained on diverse Earth observation records, detailed physical models, or hybrids of both in physics-informed machine learning, ML/DL may improve upon existing Earth system model (ESM) formulations while creating entirely new classes of models. One important application of deep learning is observation synthesis, allowing ESM developers to prepare for the increased spatial, temporal, and spectral/polar resolution of proposed future observing systems. This may involve the retrospective application of learning algorithms to existing observational records, with or without physical radiative transfer models, to co-inform mission planning and ESM development while providing a degree of data continuity for new missions.

Adam Erickson↗

How Do Different Knowledge Frameworks Help Us Learn From Aviation Line Observations?

Human performance includes actions that increase safety, as well as actions that can reduce safety. Ensuring safety in complex dynamic operations like commercial aviation depends on the ability to institute appropriate responses based on what is learned from flightcrew performance and the contexts in which it occurs. To do this systemically at the organization level requires collecting data on flightcrew performance, developing effective approaches to analyzing those data, and understanding how to translate what has been learned into policies, procedures, and practice. Systematic observation of front-line operators is a vital source of human performance data. Much has been learned from such observations, including methodological principles. Most observations have been based on a framework focused on managing safety challenges and the ensuing unsafe events. A complementary perspective focuses on flexibility and actions that promote continued safe and effective operation. We consider lessons learned about observational methods from an established framework focused on undesired actions and how these might be extended for a framework focused on desired actions.

safety↗

DELTA: An Open-Source Framework to Simplify Machine Learning with Satellite Imagery

DELTA (Deep Earth Learning, Tools, and Analysis) is an open-source framework developed at NASA to simplify running and training machine learning (ML) models on satellite imagery. Users new to machine learning can run existing ML models on satellite imagery with minimal setup and configuration. For experienced ML users, DELTA helps simplify data engineering, preprocessing steps, and reduces the need for boilerplate code that needs written to make satellite imagery datasets palatable for machine learning. This lets data scientists focus on model development while DELTA handles the imagery manipulation. This presentation will demonstrate DELTA’s functionality and share some examples from an active project using it for flood mapping using imagery from multiple satellite sources

Michael von Pohle↗

Exploring Requirements for Software that Learns: A Research Preview

Context & motivation: The development of software that learns has revolutionized how many systems perform. For the most part, these systems are neither safety- nor mission-critical. However, as technology and aspirations advance, there is an increased desire and need for Machine Learning (ML) software in safety- and mission-critical systems, e.g., driverless cars or autonomous space robotics. Problem: In these domains, reliability is crucial and systems have to undergo much scrutiny in terms of both the developed artefacts and the adopted development process. Central to the development of such systems is the elicitation and definition of software requirements that are used to guide the design and verification process. The addition of software components that learn, and the associated capability for unforeseen behavior, makes defining detailed software requirements especially difficult. Principal ideas/results: In this paper, we identify unique characteristics of software requirements that are specific to ML components. To this end, we collect and examine requirements from both academic and industrial sources. Contribution: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that presents real-life, industrial patterns of requirements for ML components. Furthermore, this paper identifies key characteristics and provides a foundation for developing a taxonomy of requirements for software that learns.

Probabilistic requirements↗

Why Learning From All Operations Is Imperative

Learning from All Operations – Panel Discussion Introduction: Tzvetomir Blajev, Flight Safety Foundation Why Learning from All Operations is Imperative: Jon Holbrook, NASA Implemented Approaches to Learning from All Operations American Airlines Japan Airlines Southwest Airlines Delta Air Lines Why Learning from All Operations is Imperative (Summary): Immanuel Barshi, NASA

Jon Holbrook↗

Leveraging the 2024 Solar Eclipse to Enhance Science Learning through Citizen Science

The solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, provided a rare and compelling opportunity for educators and students to engage in hands-on citizen science. Two NASA Science Activation projects GLOBE Mission Earth (GME) and NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC) partnered together to provide a unique professional development experience for educators interested in the eclipse. They invited educators to participate in a specialized 5-week online workshop designed to engage the educators in Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) citizen science about the eclipse. The workshop was designed to support their certification as GLOBE educators and develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence in conducting a GLOBE investigation. Over 60 educators from across the United States took part in this workshop, which focused on investigating the eclipse by collecting and analyzing atmospheric data. The GLOBE Program promotes environmental and scientific literacy by enabling participants to collect Earth science data and contribute it to a global database accessible for research. The 2024 GLOBE Eclipse workshop trained educators in specific GLOBE protocols—Clouds, Air Temperature, and Surface Temperature—using the GLOBE Eclipse tool integrated into the GLOBE Observer app. This training was supplemented with guidance on engaging students in authentic scientific research and creating research posters to present their findings. The workshop aimed to enhance educators’ skills and confidence in integrating GLOBE protocols into their teaching practices. It addressed several key areas outlined in the National Academies' report on Learning through Citizen Science, including scientific context, nature of participation, and project infrastructure. Educators learned about the atmospheric effects of solar eclipses and were trained to use scientific tools and data analysis methods relevant to their research. They also engaged in live sessions and asynchronous activities, practicing data collection and analysis with real-time feedback. Survey results from the workshop highlighted that participants were primarily motivated by the desire to better use data in their classrooms and improve their proficiency with the GLOBE Observer app. Post-workshop evaluations showed significant increases in educators' confidence regarding their ability to conduct and guide scientific research. Participants reported feeling well-prepared to use the GLOBE Observer app for data collection and were successful in integrating their eclipse observations into classroom activities. Participants also valued the opportunity to contribute to authentic science through GLOBE, which involved observing atmospheric changes such as air temperature fluctuations and cloud cover alterations during the eclipse. The success of the workshop is evident in the increased confidence and skill levels of educators, as well as the publication of research posters on the GLOBE Mission Earth Student Research webpage.This session will discuss how the GLOBE Eclipse workshop series effectively utilized the unique context of the solar eclipse to enhance science education through citizen science. By adhering to the principles outlined in the Learning through Citizen Science framework, the workshop successfully engaged educators and students in meaningful scientific practices, demonstrating the potential of citizen science to enrich science education and foster a deeper understanding of Earth systems.

Jessica Taylor↗

Harnessing Collaborative Learning Automata to Guide Multi-objective Optimization based Inverse Analysis for Structural Damage Identification

Structural damage identification based on physical models is often transformed into an optimization problem that minimizes the difference between measurement information of structure being monitored and the model prediction in the parametric space. However, the objective function in this context often exhibits multimodality, involving high-dimensional variables due to the reliance on finite element models for damage identification. These features pose challenges to optimization algorithms, where entrapment in local solutions can lead to false positives and false negatives in damage identification. In this research, we propose a reinforcement learning based multi-swarm optimizer to tackle such challenges in pursuit of a small yet diverse solution set that can capture the true damage scenario as one of the solutions. The proposed method leverages the flexibility of the particle swarm optimizer and incorporates novel strategies of metaheuristics to realize targeted improvement. To enable the particle swarm to adaptively select the appropriate search strategy based on the current environment, we adopt the learning automata technique, which sidesteps the need for reward strategy selection that is usually ad hoc at each step of the search. The integration harnesses the automatic learning and self-adaptation capabilities of learning automata, enabling the particles to navigate based on environmental signals. This leads to accumulated probabilities tied to advantageous movements, fostering an adaptive exploration of particles in the search space. The proposed approach is first validated through implementing into benchmark test cases with comparisons. It is then applied to structural damage identification with piezoelectric admittance experimental signals. `The results highlight the capability of the algorithm to identify a small solution set with high accuracy to match the actual damage scenario.

Yang Zhang↗

Extending Power of Nature from Binary Problems to Real-Valued Graph Learning in Real World

Nature performs complex computations constantly at clearly lower cost and higher performance than digital computers. It is crucial to understand how to harness the unique computational power of nature in Machine Learning (ML). In the past decade, besides the development of Neural Networks (NNs), the community has also relentlessly explored nature-powered ML paradigms. Although most of them are still predominantly theoretical, a new practical paradigm enabled by the recent advent of CMOS-compatible room-temperature nature-based computers has emerged. By harnessing the nature's power of entropy increase, this paradigm can solve binary learning problems delivering immense speedup and energy savings compared with NNs, while maintaining comparable accuracy. Regrettably, its values to the real world are highly constrained by its binary nature. A clear pathway to its extension to real-valued problems remains elusive. This paper aims to unleash this pathway by proposing a novel end-to-end Nature-Powered Graph Learning (NP-GL) framework. Specifically, through a three-dimensional co-design, NP-GL can leverage the nature's power of entropy increase to efficiently solve real-valued graph learning problems. Experimental results across 4 real-world applications with 6 datasets demonstrate that NP-GL delivers, on average, 6970X speedup and 10^5x energy consumption reduction with comparable or even higher accuracy than Graph Neural Networks (GNNs).

artificial intelligence↗

Few measurement shots challenge generalization in learning to classify entanglement

The ability to extract general laws from a few known examples depends on the complexity of the problem and on the amount of training data. In the quantum setting, the learner's generalization performance is further challenged by the destructive nature of quantum measurements that, together with the no-cloning theorem, limits the amount of information that can be extracted from each training sample. In this paper we focus on hybrid quantum learning techniques where classical machine-learning methods are paired with quantum algorithms and show that, in some settings, the uncertainty coming from a few measurement shots can be the dominant source of errors. We identify an instance of this possibly general issue by focusing on the classification of maximally entangled vs. separable states, showing that this toy problem becomes challenging for learners unaware of entanglement theory. Finally, we introduce an estimator based on classical shadows that performs better in the big data, few copy regime. Our results show that the naive application of classical machine-learning methods to the quantum setting is problematic, and that a better theoretical foundation of quantum learning is required.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Factorization Machine‐Based Active Learning for Functional Materials Design with Optimal Initial Data

The optimization of functional materials is important to enhance their properties, but their complex geometries pose great challenges to optimization. Data-driven algorithms efficiently navigate such complex design spaces by learning relationships between material structures and performance metrics to discover high-performance functional materials. Surrogate-based active learning, continually improving its surrogate model by iteratively including high-quality data points, has emerged as a cost-effective data-driven approach. Furthermore, it can be coupled with quantum computing to enhance optimization processes, especially when paired with a special form of surrogate model (i.e., quadratic unconstrained binary optimization), formulated by factorization machine (FM). However, current practices often overlook the variability in design space sizes when determining the initial data size for optimization. In this work, we investigate the optimal initial data sizes required for efficient convergence across various design space sizes. By employing averaged piecewise linear regression, we identify initiation points where convergence begins, highlighting the crucial role of employing adequate initial data in achieving efficient optimization. These results contribute to the efficient optimization of functional materials by ensuring faster convergence and reducing computational costs in FM-based active learning.

active learning↗