Multivariate Approximation and Applications

Multivariate approximation theory is today an increasingly active research area. It encompasses a wide range of tools for multivariate approximation such as multi-dimensional splines and finite elements, shift-invariant spaces and radial-basis functions. Approximation theory in the multivariate setting has many applications including numerical analysis, wavelet analysis, signal processing, geographic information systems, computer aided geometric design and computer graphics. The field is fascinating since much of the mathematics of the classical univariate theory does not straightforwardly generalize to the multivariate setting, so new tools are required. This advanced introduction to multivariate approximation and related topics consists of nine articles written by leading experts surveying many of the new ideas and their applications. Each article introduces a particular topic, takes the reader to the forefront of research and ends with a comprehensive bibliography. This unique account is an ideal introduction to the subject for researchers, in universities and industry, and graduate students.