The geostatistical framework for spatial prediction

Abstract

Geostatistics provides a coherent framework for spatial prediction and uncertainty assessment, whereby spatial dependence, as quantified by variograms, is utilized for best linear unbiased estimation of a regionalized variable at unsampled locations. Geostatistics for prediction of continuous regionalized variables is reviewed, with key methods underlying the derivation of major variants of uni-variate Kriging described in an easy-to-follow manner. This paper will contribute to demystification and, hence, popularization of geostatistics in geoinformatics communities.