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spatial interpolation — English
The generalisation of data found at a few points (places) within an area as if it applies to the entire area. In ordinary terms it means that we assume that what was found at a few points within an area, would be found anywhere in the entire area. Hence conditions found at a few sample points are ascribed to an entire area. In geography spatial interpolation is often necessary, but geographers know that the exact same conditions do not necessarily apply to every point in the relevant area. Every single point could, of course, not be sampled or investigated, so geographers apply the method with the acknowledgement that generalisation is fraught with dangers. Other scientists who are not as spatially oriented as geographers, use spatial generalisation without the least hesitation. As a research technique generalisation cannot be condemned, but researchers should realise that they are making assumptions. Geographers use spatial interpolation all the time, but from their training they know the idiographic principle (see “geodiversity”) and are aware of the implications of intra-area spatial variability, while other scientist do not and are often not even aware of this.
