A handy guide to Interpretation vs Extrapolation vs Interpolation

David Mitchell • May 22, 2024

Interpretation vs Extrapolation vs Interpolation

Introduction

When I was at university studying GIS these three terms used to trip me up regularly when describing data. While all are similar, they have some distinct differences that you have to know when analysing data.

Interpretation

The first definition is interpretation. This is the first and most simple of the concepts being shown here. It is as simple and seeing what is happening in the data as it is. What are the trends or patterns being seen within the scope of the data available.

Extrapolation

Extrapolation is the process of using the current trend or pattern to predict what will happen outside the data’s scope. I am hesitant to say predict the future, but it is in essence predicting what will happen in an area we don’t have data for.

Interpolation

Interpolation is in a way the opposite of extrapolation in that it predicts will happen within the scope of the data if the data collection was to be replicated.

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