Page 290 - Modern Spatiotemporal Geostatistics

A Call to Research 271

interdisciplinary subjects are emerging, the result of the realization on the part
of many researchers that the problems they are confronting are shared by other
researchers in disparate fields. In many cases these interdisciplinary subjects
represent the frontiers of research. Like all other modern geostatistical ap-
proaches, BME at the onset poses a series of difficult problems, both theoret-
ical and computational. Some of these problems have been mentioned in this
book. Many others exist. Solving these difficulties is the task of the new class
of geostatisticians who realize the importance of the foregoing considerations
and who will not hesitate to confront the entrenched old guard in order to
defend the bright promise of modern spatiotemporal geostatistics. The work
of the modern geostatisticians and their struggle for intellectual and social
acceptance will not be easy.

The Ending as a New Beginning

In order for a book of the present kind to be successful, its ending must be a new
beginning. One should expect that the situation with modern spatiotemporal
geostatistics in general, and BME in particular, will follow the well-established
path of scientific paradigms. Most active members of the geostatistics com-
munity will have to agree on such an approach. Once such a consensus has
occurred, a period will follow during which the features and implications of the
modern geostatistics paradigm will be studied and its boundary conditions—
i.e., the limits of its applicability—will be determined and appreciated. In the
process, we should not underestimate the importance of bringing together geo-
statisticians working in different scientific fields and providing the community of
interested researchers with an interdisciplinary forum for the exchange of ideas,
communication of issues that cut across disciplinary barriers, and dissemination
of stochastic techniques used in the various fields.
Just as the intensity of drama feeds upon conflict, so any intellectual pur-
suit thrives on unresolved problems. Therefore, in addition to promoting new
ideas and approaches, modern spatiotemporal geostatistics must pose chal-
lenging problems to attract new talent and ensure the continuing vitality of the
field. Without the challenge of the unknown, the novel, and the exciting, any
field of endeavor grows stale and begins to decline, having ceased to attract
outstanding individuals. Furthermore, it should be recognized that geostatisti-
cians may not only feel intellectually stifled, but suffer intense emotional and
existential doubt, as well (the same can be said for any research scientist, in
general). Some may feel that they are impoverishing their lives by dealing with
the same old kinds of problems, routinely applying the same old concepts and
models, and not exercising their ability to think about challenging problems or
trying new avenues.
As I write the last lines of this book, the 20th century is drawing rapidly to
a close. It is time for looking back to past successes and failures, assessing the
current state of geostatistics, and making plans that will assure the continuing