Interpolation reliability of Philippine rainfall measurements

Abstract

Rainfall interpolation techniques, like all algorithms, assume reasonably accurate sensor inputs. Yet even well-calibrated sensors may still yield erroneous or missing measurements due to random events. This paper presents a method for estimating the reliability of rainfall interpolation due to two factors: differences in reliability of data coming from different gauges, and distance between a rain gauge and the interpolation location. We found that for the DOST automatic weather stations deployed in the Philippines, rainfall interpolation is reliable for Luzon, except Palawan. Reliable rainfall interpolations are concentrated for land regions in Visayas, and for areas near rain gauges in Mindanao.