Identification of parametric models from experimental data [Book Review]

The authors have produced a scholarly and comprehensive book on parametric model identification, covering the topic in considerably more depth than in previous texts. In their Preface, they state that the book is aimed at two groups of readers. The first consists of students wishing to familiarize themselves with the basic methods for system identification, parameter and state estimation, with the second consisting of researchers or engineers who have to squeeze parameters out of experimental data. This is quite an accurate summary of the potential readership, although the student readership is likely to be at postgraduate level only. The authors also state that they have tried to present the material as accessibly as possible, with the exposition moving from the simple to the more sophisticated. Again, this is true, but even so, it does take quite some effort to follow arguments through in places. The reader is well rewarded for making this effort.