Entropy-Based Methods to Address Sampling Bias in Archaeological Predictive Modeling

TL;DR

This paper introduces an entropy-based framework to correct spatial sampling bias in archaeological predictive modeling, improving model accuracy and robustness especially in under-surveyed regions.

Contribution

It presents a novel entropy-based correction method integrated with various predictive models to address spatial bias in archaeological data.

Findings

Entropy-aware models show improved accuracy.

Enhanced robustness in under-surveyed areas.

Method increases transparency and interpretability.

Abstract

Predictive modeling in archaeology is essential for the understanding of people's behavior in the past and for guiding heritage conservation. However, spatial sampling bias caused by uneven research effort can severely limit model reliability. This research describes a novel new framework that integrates entropy-based corrections to measure and minimize such biases in archaeological modeling of foresight. Leveraging the open access data of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, we employ Shannon entropy to determine survey coverage and assign appropriate weights to pseudo-absence points. We combine these weights with predictive models such as Bayesian Spatial Logistic Regression (via R-INLA), Generalized Additive Models, Maximum Entropy and Random Forests. Our findings prove that entropy-aware models exhibit improved accuracy and robustness, especially for under-surveyed regions. This approach not only advances methodological transparency, but also improves the interpretation of archaeological prediction under conditions of data uncertainty. The proposed framework offers a scalable, theoretically grounded strategy for addressing spatial bias in archaeological datasets.