A study on sensitivity of spatial sampling designs to a priori discretization schemes

In a previous paper (Environ. Ecol. Stat. 5 (1998) 29.) we presented an entropy-based approach to spatial sampling design in a state-space model framework. We now address the problem of sensitivity of optimal designs with respect to the configuration of the set of potential observation sites considered, as well as to the model specifications. The latter involve both the spatial dependence structure of the variable of interest and its relationship with the observable variable. To analyze several aspects related to this problem, we have developed an extensive empirical study, from which we conclude the critical influence that the a priori selection of candidate observation sites can have on the final sampling designs for different situations.