STeMP Protocol Standardizes Spatio-Temporal ML Reporting

Jan Linnenbrink, Jakub Nowosad, Marvin Ludwig, Anna Frederike Jablotschkin, Fabian Schumacher, Teja Kattenborn, Hanna Meyer· July 24, 2026 View original

Summary

STeMP (Spatio-Temporal Modelling Protocol) is proposed to standardize reporting and guide the development of spatio-temporal machine learning models in environmental research. It aims to enhance trust, transparency, and comparability by detailing metadata, model specifics, and prediction methodologies.

Spatio-temporal machine learning models are vital in environmental research, but their reliability and comparability are often hampered by inconsistent reporting and methodological choices. To address this, a new framework called STeMP, the Spatio-Temporal Modelling Protocol, has been introduced. STeMP serves a dual purpose: it provides a standardized format for reporting these models, ensuring transparency and enabling a clear understanding of their functionality, and it also acts as a guide during the modeling process, highlighting critical decisions and parameters. The protocol is structured into three main sections: an "Overview" for metadata, and "Model" and "Prediction" sections that detail predictors, evaluation methods, software used, and other workflow elements. The protocol is openly available on GitHub and includes an R-package with a web application for semi-automated completion, offering warnings for common pitfalls to assist both authors and reviewers.

Why it matters

For professionals working with spatio-temporal data, especially in environmental or urban planning, this protocol can significantly improve the quality, reproducibility, and trustworthiness of their machine learning models and their derived insights.

How to implement this in your domain

  1. 1Adopt STeMP as a standard reporting framework for all new spatio-temporal machine learning projects.
  2. 2Utilize the provided R-package and web application to streamline the documentation process for your models.
  3. 3Integrate STeMP's guidance into your team's model development workflow to identify and address critical decisions early.
  4. 4Encourage collaboration and feedback on the protocol within your organization or research community.

Who benefits

Environmental ScienceUrban PlanningAgricultureClimate ResearchPublic Health

Key takeaways

  • STeMP standardizes reporting for spatio-temporal machine learning models, improving transparency and comparability.
  • It guides model development by highlighting critical decisions and parameters.
  • The protocol is structured into Overview, Model, and Prediction sections.
  • An accompanying R-package and web application facilitate semi-automated completion and provide warnings for common pitfalls.

Original post by Jan Linnenbrink, Jakub Nowosad, Marvin Ludwig, Anna Frederike Jablotschkin, Fabian Schumacher, Teja Kattenborn, Hanna Meyer

"arXiv:2607.20592v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Spatio-temporal machine-learning modelling is an important tool in environmental research. However, machine-learning models are highly sensitive to both the characteristics of the training data, such as its distribution, and methodo…"

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Originally posted by Jan Linnenbrink, Jakub Nowosad, Marvin Ludwig, Anna Frederike Jablotschkin, Fabian Schumacher, Teja Kattenborn, Hanna Meyer on X · view source

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