Evaluation of Spatial Interpolation Techniques for Operational Climate Monitoring in the Philippines

Joseph Q. Basconcillo; Ger Anne W. Duran; Aaron A. Francisco; Rusy G. Abastillas; Flaviana D. Hilario; Edna L. Juanillo; Ana Liza S. Solis; Anthony Joseph R. Lucero; Shalou-Lea A. Maratas

doi:10.2151/sola.2017-021

Article

Evaluation of Spatial Interpolation Techniques for Operational Climate Monitoring in the Philippines

Joseph Q. Basconcillo, Ger Anne W. Duran, Aaron A. Francisco, Rusy G. Abastillas, Flaviana D. Hilario, Edna L. Juanillo, Ana Liza S. Solis, Anthony Joseph R. Lucero, Shalou-Lea A. Maratas

Author information

Joseph Q. Basconcillo
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology
National Research Council of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology
Ger Anne W. Duran
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology
Aaron A. Francisco
National Research Council of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology
Rusy G. Abastillas
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology
Flaviana D. Hilario
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology
National Research Council of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology
Edna L. Juanillo
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology
National Research Council of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology
Ana Liza S. Solis
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology
Anthony Joseph R. Lucero
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology
National Research Council of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology
Shalou-Lea A. Maratas
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2017 Volume 13 Pages 114-119

DOI https://doi.org/10.2151/sola.2017-021

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Abstract

To overcome the limitation of low network density and sparse distribution of meteorological stations, spatial interpolation is being performed for estimating meteorological variables that are not geographically covered by existing observation network. While there are several readily available spatial interpolation techniques, it is still difficult to determine which one best estimates actual observation. Considering the stimulus for disaster risk reduction, hydrological, agricultural, and other applications of interpolated data, this study compared six interpolation techniques (Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW), Completely Regularized Spline (CRS), Tension Spline (TS), Ordinary Kriging (OK), Universal Kriging (UK), and ANUSPLIN) that have been recommended in tropical maritime region. Validation results comparing historical monthly and interpolated rainfall data from 1981-2010 in 65 stations in the Philippines show that OK has the best performance among the aforementioned techniques followed by ANUSPLIN and TS. Ultimately, this study is a contribution to the existing inadequate literatures that have documented and evaluated interpolation techniques that can be used in archipelagic regions with prominent climate variability.

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