Bayesian Sphere-on-Sphere Regression with Optimal Transport Maps

Abstract: Spherical regression, where both covariate and response variables are defined on the sphere, is a required form of data analysis in several scientific disciplines, and has been the subject of substantial methodological development in recent years. Yet, it remains a challenging problem due to the complexities involved in constructing valid and expressive regression models between spherical domains, and the difficulties involved in quantifying uncertainty of estimated regression maps. To address these challenges, we propose casting spherical regression as a problem of optimal transport within a Bayesian framework. Through this approach, we obviate the need for directly parameterizing a spherical regression map, and are able to quantify uncertainty on the inferred map. We derive posterior contraction rates for the proposed model under two different prior specifications and, in doing so, obtain a result on the quantitative stability of optimal transport maps on the sphere, one that may be useful in other contexts. The utility of our approach is demonstrated empirically through a simulation study and through its application to real data.