The professorship focuses on the development and application of mathematical and statistical techniques to analyse and model spatial and temporal variability in soil. This is achieved by combining these techniques with knowledge of soil processes and patterns. Digital soil mapping is an important field of application, as efficient and accurate soil mapping requires a sound understanding of soil variation. The scientific challenge is to move beyond simple statistical relationships and truly integrate pedogenetic knowledge in digital soil mapping, as well as to improve and quantify the accuracy of soil maps. In close collaboration with other WU researchers in the soil domain, this professorship contributes to a better understanding and modelling of soil processes and patterns at multiple spatial and temporal scales. The results are essential to supporting quantitative environmental studies that require accurate regionalised soil information, such as global and regional studies on food security, climate change, biodiversity, land and soil degradation, and water scarcity.