Getting Started with Geomstats: A Guide to Computation on Manifolds

Jul 6, 2022 | Data Science

When it comes to advanced machine learning, few tools can match the dynamism and elegance of Geomstats. As a Python package, it empowers users with robust capabilities for computations, statistics, and learning algorithms situated on manifolds. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to install and use Geomstats effectively.

Installation Methods

To leverage the power of Geomstats, you must first install the package. Here are three methods you can use:

  • Install via pip:
    From a terminal (OS X/Linux), run:
    pip3 install geomstats
  • Install via conda:
    From a terminal (OS X/Linux) or an Anaconda prompt (Windows):
    conda install -c conda-forge geomstats
  • Install via Git:
    Clone the repository and install:
    git clone https://github.com/geomstats/geomstats.git
    cd geomstats
    pip3 install .

Choosing a Backend

Geomstats supports three backends: NumPy, Autograd, or PyTorch. By default, NumPy is used, which allows for visualizations. You can choose your backend by setting the environment variable GEOMSTATS_BACKEND:

export GEOMSTATS_BACKEND=backend_name

For instance, if you wish to use PyTorch, run the following command in your terminal:

export GEOMSTATS_BACKEND=pytorch

Getting Started with Geomstats

Once the installation is complete, you can start using Geomstats for learning algorithms on Riemannian manifolds. This process consists of three essential steps:

  • Instantiate the manifold of interest.
  • Instantiate the learning algorithm.
  • Run the algorithm.

Here’s an analogy to help understand how these components work together:

Imagine you’re a chef (the user) who wants to create a gourmet dish (the learning algorithm). First, you need the right kitchen (the manifold) that fits your cooking style. Then, you gather your ingredients (data), before following a recipe (the algorithm) to whip up that delightful dish!

The following code snippet demonstrates using Tangent Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on simulated data:

from geomstats.geometry.special_orthogonal import SpecialOrthogonal
from geomstats.learning.pca import TangentPCA

so3 = SpecialOrthogonal(n=3, point_type='vector')
data = so3.random_uniform(n_samples=10)
tpca = TangentPCA(space=so3, n_components=2)
tpca = tpca.fit(data)
tangent_projected_data = tpca.transform(data)

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during installation or usage, consider the following tips:

  • Ensure that you’re using Python 3, as Geomstats is not compatible with older versions.
  • Check your pip or conda version to ensure you’re installing the latest packages.
  • Review backend compatibility; some functionalities may not be supported across all backends.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

Stay Informed with the Newest F(x) Insights and Blogs

Tech News and Blog Highlights, Straight to Your Inbox