Approximation on the sphere using radial basis functions plus polynomials

In this paper we analyse a hybrid approximation of functions on the sphere S2 R3 by radial basis functions combined with polynomials, with the radial basis functions assumed to be generated by a (strictly) positive definite kernel. The approximation is determined by interpolation at scattered data points, supplemented by side conditions on the coefficients to ensure a square linear system. The analysis is first carried out in the native space associated with the kernel (with no explicit polynomial component, and no side conditions). A more refined error estimate is obtained for functions in a still smaller space. Numerical calculations support the utility of this hybrid approximation. Key words. Scattered data, radial basis functions, spherical harmonics, error estimate. AMS subject classifications. 41A30, 65D30

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: ADCM
• Authors: Ian H. Sloan, Alvise Sommariva
• Keywords: ADCM 2008, Approximation, Positive Definite Kernel, Radial Basis Functions