A Classification for a Geostatistical Index of Spatial Dependence

Enio Júnior Seidel,Marcelo Silva de Oliveira

doi:10.1590/18069657rbcs20160007

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In geostatistical studies, spatial dependence can generally be described by means of the semivariogram or, in complementary form, with a single index followed by its categorization to classify the degree of such dependence. The objective of this study was to construct a categorization for the spatial dependence index (SDI) proposed by Seidel and Oliveira (2014) in order to classify spatial variability in terms of weak, moderate, and strong dependence. Theoretical values were constructed from different degrees of spatial dependence, [...]

Highlights

The correct description of spatial dependence is fundamental for revealing both the degree of spatial continuity and the structure of variability of the spatial phenomenon studied (Seidel and Oliveira, 2014)
In geostatistical studies, spatial dependence can generally be described by means of the semivariogram or, in complementary form, with a single index followed by its categorization to classify the degree of such dependence
In view of the form of distribution and spatial dependence index (SDI) descriptive measures, we developed a categorization for posterior classification of spatial dependence, specific to each semivariogram model

Summary

Introduction

The correct description of spatial dependence is fundamental for revealing both the degree of spatial continuity and the structure of variability of the spatial phenomenon studied (Seidel and Oliveira, 2014) For such description, we can use the semivariogram alone, as a whole, or complement the semivariogram with a single spatial dependence index. The second index, the degree of spatial dependence (SPD), less frequently used and presented in Biondi et al (1994), relates the contribution parameter to the sill parameter. Both these indexes are complementary and, according to Biondi et al (1994), are useful for comparing different spatial dependence scenarios. In addition to these two summary indexes, the NE single index has been the index chosen for most analyses of the spatial dependence structure in Brazil

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Results