In this paper, we study the optimal control of systems where the state dynamics are governed by a stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) driven by a two-parameter (time-space) Brownian motion, also referred to as a Brownian sheet. These equations can, for example, model the growth of an ecosystem under uncertainty. We first explore some fundamental properties of such linear SPDEs. Next, utilizing time-space white noise calculus, we derive both Pontryagin-type necessary and sufficient conditions for the optimality of the control. Finally, we illustrate our results by solving a linear-quadratic control problem and examining an optimal harvesting problem in the plane. Potential applications to machine learning and to managing random environmental influences are also discussed.
QC 20250228