
11
Model Validation
After fitting a point process model to a spatial point pattern da ta set, we need to check that the model
is faithful to the data. Techniques for checking or validating a point process model are introduced in
this chapter. Here we shall deal only with Poisson point proce ss models; validation for other point
process models is covered in Chapter 1 3.
11.1 Overview of validation techniques
11.1.1 Principles
Model validation is important because a fitted model is not like a fitted shoe. A shoe must confo rm
to the shape of the w earer’s foot rea sonably well, before we will say it has been fitted; but a model
that we have ‘fitted’ to data ...