What is Interpolation? Definition, Methods, and Applications
Interpolation is a process of finding missing data points between two known datasets. It is used to estimate the values of a function at points where it has not been explicitly defined.
There are several methods for interpolating data, including:
1. Linear Interpolation: This method involves drawing a straight line between two known points and extending it to the point where the data is missing.
2. Polynomial Interpolation: This method involves fitting a polynomial curve to the known data points and using it to estimate the value of the function at the missing point.
3. Spline Interpolation: This method involves fitting a smooth curve to the known data points, allowing for more flexibility in the interpolation than linear or polynomial interpolation.
4. Nearest Neighbor Interpolation: This method involves finding the nearest known data point to the missing point and using its value as an estimate.
5. Piecewise Interpolation: This method involves dividing the domain of the function into smaller subdomains and interpolating separately within each subdomain.
6. Wavelet Interpolation: This method uses wavelet functions to represent the signal and interpolate the data.
7. Radial Basis Function Interpolation: This method uses a set of basis functions, each centered at a point in the domain, to interpolate the data.
8. Neural Network Interpolation: This method uses a neural network to learn the underlying pattern in the data and interpolate the missing values.
Interpolation is used in many fields such as:
1. Numerical analysis: Interpolation is used to approximate solutions of mathematical equations.
2. Computer graphics: Interpolation is used to create smooth curves and surfaces for visual effects.
3. Signal processing: Interpolation is used to upsample or resample signals.
4. Data analysis: Interpolation is used to estimate missing values in datasets.
5. Machine learning: Interpolation is used as a preprocessing step for training machine learning models.
6. Geophysics: Interpolation is used to estimate the value of physical quantities over large areas.
7. Finance: Interpolation is used to estimate the value of financial instruments over time.
8. Medical imaging: Interpolation is used to create detailed images of the body from incomplete data.