ABSTRACT
The world is a heterogeneous place across which geographical processes produce spatial patterns. Causal relationships between processes and landscape features result in relationships between pattern and landscape. Spatial patterns are often modelled by interpolation of a surface from sample data. However, despite recognition of the relationships that exist between process, pattern and landscape few interpolation techniques allow the incorporation of landscape features in the surface modelling process. This paper briefly reviews the ability of several commonly used interpolation functions to incorporate landscape features. Particular attention is given to functions that allow the inclusion of barriers in surface generation. Limitations in how barriers are implemented lead to the development of a new ‘hybrid’ interpolation technique network surface interpolation (NetSURF). NetSURF is compared to existing functions using both a test data set and a real world example, the generation of organism trait surfaces.
