MLREML: A computer program for the inference of spatial covariance parameters by maximum likelihood and restricted maximum likelihood

Maximum likelihood and restricted maximum likelihood are appealing parametric alternatives to other classical nonparametric methods to estimate the covariance parameters of spatial variables. MLREML, an ANSI FORTRAN-77 computer program which performs both kinds of inference methods is presented. One important characteristic of these methods is that they provide a measure of the uncertainty of the estimates. Two datasets are provided to check the implementation of the program and the results are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.