It is necessary to estimate parameters by approximation and interpolation in many areas-from computer graphics to inverse methods to signal processing. Radial basis functions are modern, powerful tools which are being used more widely as the limitations of other methods become apparent. Martin Buhmann provides a complete analysis of radial basic functions from the theoretical and practical implementation viewpoints. He also includes a comprehensive bibliography.

This volume is derived from invited talks given at a meeting celebrating Michael Powell's sixtieth birthday and focuses on innovative work in optimization and approximation theory. The individual papers, written by leading authorities in their subjects, are a mix of expository articles and surveys on new work. They have all been reviewed and edited to form a coherent volume that represents the state of the art in an important discipline within mathematics, with highly relevant applications throughout science and engineering.