A Comparison Between the Variogram and Covariance Functions Methods in Height Data Analysis

Abstract

The possibility of changes in correlation across a surface suggest that for the most accurate interpolation of data at unsampled locations it may be desirable to perform a priori analysis of data set to determine the nature of correlation between the given sample points. Two models are used for a priori analysis of data set namely the variogram model and covariance functions. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to compare the efficiency of the two models in data analysis and data interpolation. Samples of ninety measured points were selected for this test. Using geostatistical analyst of kriging it was found that the variogram model gives better results compared to the covariance functions.