Kriging Interpolation using ArcGIS Pro

Kriging is a geostatistical interpolation method that predicts unknown values from data observed at known locations. ArcGIS Pro provides robust tools for performing Kriging interpolation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Preparing Your Data
1. Open ArcGIS Pro and create a new project or open an existing one.
2. Add your data: Ensure your point data with known values is added to the map. This can be from a shapefile, geodatabase, or other supported formats.
3. Check your data: Make sure your dataset has the necessary fields (e.g., coordinates and the variable to be interpolated).
Performing Kriging Interpolation
1. Open Geostatistical Wizard:
o Go to the Analysis tab.
o Click on Tools and search for Geostatistical Wizard.
o Open the Geostatistical Wizard.
2. Select Interpolation Method:
o In the wizard, select Kriging/CoKriging and click Next.
3. Choose Data:
o Select your input dataset from the map.
o Choose the attribute field you want to interpolate (the variable of interest).
o Click Next.
4. Set Kriging Parameters:
o Ordinary Kriging: This is the most common type and assumes a constant mean.
o Simple Kriging: Assumes the mean is known and constant.
o Universal Kriging: Assumes a trend in the data that can be modeled using a deterministic function.
o Choose the appropriate kriging method based on your data characteristics and analysis needs.
o Click Next.
5. Define Variogram Model:
o The wizard will display a variogram model. Adjust the parameters if necessary, including the nugget, sill, and range.
o Fit the model to your data by tweaking these parameters to best match the spatial autocorrelation structure of your dataset.
o Click Next.
6. Cross Validation:
o The wizard provides a cross-validation step to assess the accuracy of your model. Check the predictions and residuals to ensure the model is performing well.
o Adjust the model if necessary based on cross-validation results.
o Click Finish.
Creating the Interpolated Surface
1. Export the Geostatistical Layer:
o The result from the Geostatistical Wizard is a geostatistical layer.
o To create a raster, right-click on the geostatistical layer in the Contents pane.
o Select Data go to Export to Raster.
o Choose your desired output location and format.
o Click Export.
Visualization and Analysis
1. Visualize the Raster:
o Add the exported raster to your map.
o Use symbology to effectively visualize the interpolated values.
2. Perform Additional Analysis:
o Use the raster for further spatial analysis or combine it with other datasets in your project.
Tips and Best Practices
• Data Preprocessing: Ensure your input data is clean and free from errors. Remove outliers if necessary.
• Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): Perform EDA to understand the distribution and trends in your data.
• Parameter Tuning: Spend time adjusting the variogram model parameters to best fit your data.
• Cross Validation: Use cross-validation to assess the predictive performance of your model and make adjustments as needed.
By following these steps, you can effectively perform Kriging interpolation using ArcGIS Pro, creating accurate and reliable surfaces from your spatial data.