How do you learn from geostatistical experts?

1 Find a mentor

One of the best ways to learn from geostatistical experts is to find a mentor who can guide you through the concepts, methods, and applications of geostatistics. A mentor can be a senior colleague, a consultant, a professor, or a professional association member who has a proven track record of successful geostatistical projects and publications. A mentor can help you identify your learning goals, provide feedback on your work, recommend resources and courses, and introduce you to other experts and networks. A mentor can also challenge you to think critically, creatively, and ethically about your geostatistical problems and solutions.

2 Read books and papers

Another way to learn from geostatistical experts is to read books and papers that cover the theory, practice, and case studies of geostatistics. Books and papers can help you understand the principles, assumptions, and limitations of different geostatistical techniques, as well as the best practices and pitfalls to avoid. Books and papers can also expose you to a variety of geostatistical applications and examples from different mining contexts and commodities. Some of the classic books and papers on geostatistics are written by pioneers such as Georges Matheron, Danie Krige, Andre Journel, Clayton Deutsch, and Michel David. You can also find more recent and relevant books and papers by searching online databases and journals, such as Mathematical Geosciences, Computers and Geosciences, and Natural Resources Research.

3 Take courses and workshops

A third way to learn from geostatistical experts is to take courses and workshops that teach you the fundamentals and advanced topics of geostatistics. Courses and workshops can help you learn the theory and practice of geostatistics in a structured and interactive way, with the guidance of instructors and peers. Courses and workshops can also help you gain hands-on experience and skills with geostatistical software and tools, such as GSLIB, SGeMS, Isatis, Leapfrog, and Vulcan. You can find courses and workshops on geostatistics offered by universities, professional associations, consulting firms, and software vendors. Some of the well-known courses and workshops on geostatistics are organized by the Centre for Geostatistics at MINES ParisTech, the Geostatistical Association of Australasia, the Geostatistical/Stochastic Modeling Association, and Geovariances.

4 Join communities and forums

A fourth way to learn from geostatistical experts is to join communities and forums that connect you with other geostatisticians and practitioners who share your interests and challenges. Communities and forums can help you exchange ideas, insights, and experiences with geostatistics, as well as ask questions, seek advice, and offer support. Communities and forums can also help you stay updated on the latest developments, trends, and opportunities in geostatistics. You can find communities and forums on geostatistics on various platforms, such as LinkedIn, Reddit, Quora, Stack Exchange, and ResearchGate. You can also create your own communities and forums with your colleagues, clients, and partners to discuss your specific geostatistical projects and issues.

5 Experiment and learn

A fifth way to learn from geostatistical experts is to experiment and learn from your own geostatistical projects and data. Experimenting and learning can help you apply and test your geostatistical knowledge and skills in real-world situations, as well as discover new problems and solutions. Experimenting and learning can also help you develop your own geostatistical style and preferences, as well as your own geostatistical expertise and reputation. To experiment and learn from your geostatistical projects and data, you need to be curious, open-minded, and willing to make mistakes and learn from them. You also need to document and communicate your geostatistical processes and results, as well as seek feedback and validation from other experts and stakeholders.

6 Follow experts

A sixth way to learn from geostatistical experts is to follow experts who inspire you and influence your geostatistical thinking and practice. Following experts can help you learn from their achievements, insights, and perspectives on geostatistics, as well as their challenges, failures, and lessons learned. Following experts can also help you expand your geostatistical network and opportunities, as well as your geostatistical vision and ambition. You can follow experts on geostatistics on various channels, such as blogs, podcasts, webinars, newsletters, and social media. Some of the popular experts on geostatistics that you can follow are Clayton Deutsch, Roussos Dimitrakopoulos, Michael Pyrcz, Harry Parker, and Julian Ortiz.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?