Area interpolation considers the closest measuring points to the interpolation point on a grid-based surface. In case enough measuring points are not found for an interpolation point, no value is assigned to that point. The following figure shows the area interpolation input window:

 

Area interpolation

Area interpolation may be configured to perform multiple cycles or passes. This is especially useful in case enough measuring points are not available or their distribution is not uniform. In each cycle, interpolated points from the previous cycle(s) are used to help interpolate points without value in an efficient way. Furthermore, the Gauss interpolation check box configures the program to integrate a Gaussian interpolation into the area interpolation, which is recommended in case measuring points are insufficient beyond what can be refined by increasing the number of cycles. This option ensures that all points are interpolated. In case this option is selected, one cycle of area interpolation would normally be enough. This interpolation fully runs in parallel. In contrast to the case of distance weighting, the area interpolation can produce interpolation values larger than the maximum and less than the minimum measured value. This is caused by the extrapolation process, and occurs when an interpolation point lies outside of the defined surface.

 

Choosing the Correct Interpolation Algorithm