Areal parameter estimates from multiple datasets

Abstract

KeypointsCombination of multiple datasets to delineate spatial variation Points in a single dataset assigned a spatial influence zone and relative weighting Weighting between datasets to reflect data reliability.ABSTRACT A wide range of methods exist for interpolation between spatially distributed points drawn from a single population. Yet often multiple datasets are available with differing distribution, character and reliability. A simple scheme is introduced to allow the fusion of multiple datasets. Each dataset is assigned an a priori spatial influence zone around each point and a relative weight based on its physical character. The composite result at a specific location is a weighted combination of the spatial terms for all the available data points that make a significant contribution. It is therefore also useful for sparse observations that characterise a limited spatial zone, such as heat flow. The combination of multiple data sets is illustrated with the construction of a unified Moho surface in part of southern Australia from results exploiting a variety of different styles of analysis.