Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

Inverse distance weighing and Kriging are examples of which of the following?

1. Geographic data models

2. Database linkage methods

3. Processes for visualization of geographic data

4. Spatial interpolation

The correct answer is: Spatial interpolation

Inverse distance weighting and Kriging are both methods used for spatial interpolation, making this the correct choice. Spatial interpolation involves estimating unknown values at specific locations based on known values at surrounding locations. Inverse distance weighting operates on the principle that points closer to a given location have a greater influence on the interpolated value than points further away. This method assigns weights to known values based on their distances, leading to smoother surfaces that represent the distribution of the variable being measured. Kriging, on the other hand, is a more sophisticated geostatistical approach that not only accounts for distance but also the overall spatial arrangement of the data points. It incorporates the statistical properties of the data to provide optimal predictions and quantify the uncertainty associated with those predictions. Both methods are integral to the field of geospatial analysis and are widely used in applications such as environmental monitoring, resource management, and urban planning. Other options listed, such as geographic data models and database linkage methods, refer to different concepts that do not specifically describe the techniques used for estimating values in space based on surrounding information.