Seumas,
Linear regression : not really an estimation technique for spatial data,
though regression forms some of the basic
theory for the derivation of kriging equations.
Splines : not really an estimation technique, just something
used to make curves smooth on contour plots.
IDW : after polygonal techniques the simplest of spatial
modelling techniques, does not take into
account clustering of data.
Kriging : a spatial modelling technique superior to IDW
when you have reasonable variograms, and
takes into account clustering of data and instead of using distance to weight samples uses your variogram (sometimes referred to
as statistical distance).
Conditional simulation: a spatial modelling technique of a special sort.
Where kriging gives you the "best" estimate. Simulation is used to analyse other possible outcomes for your sample set, so you can see the effects if reality varies from the "best" model. Example use includes planning
for chemical purchases at a metallurgical plant, so you can plan for variations from
your kriged model should they occur.
Digby Millikan www.users.on.net/~digbym
* By using the ai-geostats mailing list you agree to follow its rules ( see http://www.ai-geostats.org/help_ai-geostats.htm )
* To unsubscribe to ai-geostats, send the following in the subject or in the body (plain text format) of an email message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Signoff ai-geostats
