GIS5935 Module 2.2: Surface Interpolation
In this lab, we sought to use different interpolation methods to determine which would be the best to most accurately depict the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) within the Tampa Bay area in Florida. We explored Thiessen, Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW), and Spline (Regularized and Tension) methods. Thiessen interpolation advantages include the interpolated surface equaling the values of each given sample point, which means there isn’t a difference between the true and interpolated values. Disadvantages include the abrupt change of between values at the edges of the polygons this interpolation method outputs. While Thiessen interpolation is good for sampled locations, it may not be as accurate around unsampled locations. IDW averages values and determines the weight based off point cell proximity. This method assumes points closer to one another are more alike and is good for more evenly distributed, uniform, dense points. Spline interpolation will estimate va...