Geostatistics for Engineers and Earth Scientists

Book Description

Engineers and earth scientists are increasingly interested in quantitative methods for the analysis, interpretation, and modeling of data that imperfectly describe natural processes or attributes measured at geographical locations. Inference from imperfect knowledge is the realm of classical statistics. In the case of many natural phenomena, auto- and cross- correlation preclude the use of classical statistics. The appropriate choice in such circumstances is geostatistics, a collection of numerical techniques for the characterization of spatial attributes similar to the treatment in time series analysis of auto-correlated temporal data. As in time series analysis, most geostatistical techniques employ random variables to model the uncertainty that goes with the assessments. The applicability of the methods is not limited by the physical nature of the attributes.
Geostatistics for Engineers and Earth Scientists presents a concise introduction to geostatistics with an emphasis on detailed explanations of methods that are parsimonious, nonredundant, and through the test of time have proved to work satisfactorily for a variety of attributes and sampling schemes. Most of these methods are various forms of kriging and stochastic simulation. The presentation follows a modular approach making each chapter as self-contained as possible, thereby allowing for reading of individual chapters, reducing excessive cross-referencing to previous results and offering possibilities for reviewing similar derivations under slightly different circumstances. Guidelines and rules are offered wherever possible to help choose from among alternative methods and to select parameters, thus relieving the user from making subjective calls based on an experience that has yet to be acquired.
Geostatistics for Engineers and Earth Scientists is intended to assist in the formal teaching of geostatistics or as a self tutorial for anybody who is motivated to employ geostatistics for sampling design, data analysis, or natural resource characterization. Real data sets are used to illustrate the application of the methodology.

Customer Reviews:

Good reference for Geostat.......2004-02-23

I strongly recommend this book for reference and self study. It contains tons of useful definitions, theorems,lemmas, etc.., all with proofs. The algorithms are presented in a very clear and detailed way. The assumptions are stated clearly. It helps a lot with the math and derivations.

From "Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment," 14(3)207-209.......2000-10-03

One could wonder how a new textbook in geostatistics would have a chance to offer something new and fresh to the reader, when there are so many of them already available on the market. The answer is contained in a sentence that could not be better and more clearly summarized than by the author himself, in the introductory chapter: "Derivations in mathematical books are unnecessarily general, resulting in a complexity that tends to intimidate the uninitiated, while explanations in geostatistical books are cryptically short--to the point that most readers end up taking the derivations for granted."

This single sentence is also the philosophy of this book. By keeping a constant link and perfect balance between theoretical and methodological concerns, the book allows the novice reader to discover step by step the exciting realm of geostatistics and its applications. As explained by the author, this textbook is the result of a long teaching experience to engineering students at the graduate level. After reading this book, I have to say that I wish I could have had the chance to be one of his students when I was struggling myself with theory as a Ph.D. student a few years ago.

A requirement for reading the book is a college-level knowledge in matrix algebra, probability, and statistics. I have found that in spite of its obviousness, this clarification is sometimes lacking in other introductory books, which tend to present the material in such a way the reader could wrongly believe that he or she will be able to grasp the basics and even the more advanced results without the necessity of having a basic command of the disciplines (probability and statistics) that underlie geostatistics. The author also emphasizes that "many of the suggestions of my colleagues were incorporated into the final text, but I reserve the right, and assume the blame, for disagreeing in a few instances." This sentence shows us that beyond the various streams that exist in the field, the author had in mind the concern of presenting a view of the field as objective as possible to the newcomer, which is a very responsible attitude.

The book includes 14 chapters. Each chapter is organized in a very clear fashion, by making distinctions between what is a definition, lemma, theorem, corollary, assumption, or algorithm. This helps the reader avoid confusion about a pure theoretical property and widely accepted methodological ways of having the job done. A proof for each lemma, theorem, and corollary, as direct as possible, is provided each time and allows the curious reader to discover why things are the way they are. This theoretical presentation is accompanied in many places by practical guidelines and discussions that help the reader to make the step from theory to practice. Numerous, very practical, exercises are proposed, as well as commented and illustrated solutions. Only the most classical techniques are presented, allowing the reader to focus on the essentials, rather than being overwhelmed by numerous variations on the same topic and the unavoidable and often confusing discussion about advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Adequate additional references are provided for the reader who wants to go further herself or himself.

Book Description

Linear Geostatistics covers basic geostatistics from the underlying statistical assumptions, the variogram calculation and modelling through to kriging. The underlying philosophy is to give the students an indepth understanding of the relevant theory and how to put it into practice. This means going into the theory in more detail than most books do, and also linking it with applications. It is assumed that readers, students and professionals alike, are familiar with basic probability and statistics, and matrix algebra needed for solving linear systems. Some reminders on these are given in an appendix at the end of the book. A set of exercises is integrated into the text.

Customer Reviews:

Introductory but excellent lecture of geostatistics.......2001-01-30

This book treats some stuffs in geostatistics including basic stochastic theory, variogram, and various kriging techniques. Though this is an introductory textbook of geostatistics, it's theoretical approach and explanation are clear, creative, and easy to understanding for students who are new to this area. I would like to recommend this book for all of students who have an interest in geostatistics and for experts too.

Introductory but excellent lecture of geostatistics.......2001-01-30

Practical Geostatistics: Modeling and Spatial Analysis (with CD-ROM)

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Geostatistics is also an art
Practical Geostatistics and Visualization

Practical Geostatistics: Modeling and Spatial Analysis (with CD-ROM)
Simon W. Houlding
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM

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ASIN: 3540668209

Book Description

In practice, application of geostatistical theory requires an integrated toolbox of statistical, geostatistical, spatial analysis and visualization techniques. This approach to the application of geostatistics for subsurface characterization is the focus of Practical Geostatistics, from a description of the data structures required, through discussion of the concepts, theory and application, to qualification of the end results. The linked, hypertext document structure facilitates the integration of theoretical discussion with detailed worked examples and numerous color images of computer visualization. It also allows multi-level progression through Practical Geostatistics at an overview, theoretical, application or interactive review level, with numerous links between. The document structure facilitates access to Practical Geostatistics through standard Internet browser technology on any computer platform.

Customer Reviews:

Geostatistics is also an art.......2001-02-09

This CDROM + book is a special document in the world of the geostatistical literature.

First, it is an interactive document full of illustration, easy to read and navigate. Second, the philosophy is not to emphasize the mathematical aspects but more to demonstrate the importance of taking into account the complex geometrical structure of the geological bodies into succesfull geostatistical studies. Of course, the basics of the theory are presented, but this is also available with much more details in other recent books (see Geostatistics : Modeling Spatial Uncertainty by Chiles and Delfiner for a complete excellent reference). Third, the CDROM demonstrate the application of the approach on real complex cases (2 mining, 1 soil pollution and 1 tunnelling projects) where the geometry of the layers, faults and bodies is controling the processes. Last, all the data sets are provided.

In summary, if you want to see how geostatistics can be applied in real situations, this is the book you need.

Practical Geostatistics and Visualization.......2000-10-07

Practical Geostatistics breaks new ground in providing excellent interactive media to supplement the text. In fact, there is more information in the hyperlinked text on the enclosed CD then there is in the text book. The CD is full of colorful 2-D and 3-D renderings and visualizations of various example data sets. Regretfully, the text focuses more on the visualization techniques then on the art of evaluating spatial data. There is little or no discussion of the mathematical concepts behind geostatistics. The worked examples show excellent summary visualizations for the provided data sets, but do not walk the reader through the processes of semi-variogram analysis, cross-validation, kriging, or stochastic simulation. I would recommend this book as a reference for someone interested in presenting geostatistical data evaluations using informative visualization techniques. If the reader is interested in aquiring an understanding of geostatistic, I would instead recommend the texts by I.Clark, P.K.Kitanidis, or C.Deutsch and A.Journel.

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Excellent for introducing Geostatistics

Multivariate Geostatistics
Hans Wackernagel
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3540441425

Book Description

This book presents an introduction to geostatistics stressing the multivariate aspects for scientists, engineers or statisticians. Geostatistics offers a variety of models, methods and techniques for the analysis, estimation and display of multivariate data distributed in space or time. This book presents a brief review of statistical concepts, a detailed introduction to linear geostatistics and an account of three basic methods of multivariate analysis. The third edition of this very successful textbook contains an advanced presentation of linear models for multivariate spatial or temporal data, of nonlinear models and methods for selection problems with change of suppport as well as an introduction to non-stationary geostatistics with special focus on the external drift method. Applications from very different areas of science, as well as exercises with solutions, are provided to help convey the general ideas.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent for introducing Geostatistics .......2007-01-05

I am pleased to review this book. It is very helpful to understand the basic ideas of Geostatistics.

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Statistics of Earth Science Data
Graham J. Borradaile , and Graham Borradaile
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions, 2nd Edition

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ASIN: 3540436030

Book Description

This book is intended for both undergraduate and graduate students in all branches of Earth science needing an introduction to any aspect of data treatment in connection with thesis preparation or writing up a project. It will also aid professional earth scientists to make the most of the interpretation of numerical data using spreadsheets and non-specialized commercial software. This is not merely a traditional statistics primer, it covers sampling, time series, orientation data in two and three dimensions and is very well illustrated with meaningful examples.

Geostatistics Wollongong '96 (Quantitative Geology and Geostatistics)

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Geostatistics Wollongong '96 (Quantitative Geology and Geostatistics)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

The contributions in this book were presented at the Fifth International Geostatistics Congress held in Wollongong, Australia, in September 1996. The papers in the book provide a comprehensive account of the current state of the art in geostatistics, including recent theoretical developments and applications. Topics featured in this volume include: stochastic simulations, space-time modelling, Bayesian framework, marked point models, spatial sampling, image analysis, multifractal modelling, uncertainty assessment, support change and upscaling.
Audience: Researchers and practitioners working in quantitative modelling in earth sciences and engineering, including mining, petroleum, environmental sciences, hydrology, geotechnics, applied statistics and renewable resources.

Temporal Geographical Information Systems: Advanced Functions for Field-Based Applications

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A major achievement in temporal GIS

Temporal Geographical Information Systems: Advanced Functions for Field-Based Applications
George Christakos , Patrick Bogaert , and Marc Serre
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Random Field Models in Earth Sciences (Dover Books on Science)

ASIN: 3540414762

Book Description

The book focuses on the development of advanced functions for field-based Temporal Geographical Information Systems (TGIS). These fields describe natural, epidemiological, economic, and social phenomena distributed across space and time. The book is organized around 4 main themes: concepts, mathematical tools, computer programs, and applications.
The reader is also familiarized with the TGIS toolbox of advanced functions and the associated library of comprehensive computer programs, BMElib.
A CD-ROM is included with the book, so that the reader can readily use the computerized advanced TGIS functions of the BMElib to reconstruct many of the numerical applications discussed in the book.

Customer Reviews:

A major achievement in temporal GIS.......2004-03-29

This is a classic! The book opens new avenues to gis research and development. Lots of fresh ideas. Enjoyed tremendously! Highly recommend it.

Introduction to Disjunctive Kriging and Non-Linear Geostatistics (Spatial Information Systems)

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Introduction to Disjunctive Kriging and Non-Linear Geostatistics (Spatial Information Systems)
Jacques Rivoirard
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Linear geostatistics is a fast developing field of research and its principles are extended over other fields of activity. Tools such as the variogram and kriging are now in everyday use for estimating the mean grade of material in an area from values achieved from measured samples.
Non-linear geostatistics is at the fore-front of statistical development, it has a potential application over a wide range of practical problems and is likely to occupy an important place in the statutory monitoring and control of air, water, and land pollution. This book provides a comprehensive
introduction to the field for geographers and engineers.

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