A semiparametric autorregresive spatial prediction model

Abstract

In this paper we propose a semiparametric spatial autoregressive model that combines a linear covariate component with a nonparametrically estimated spatial term, allowing flexible dependence modeling without restrictive covariance structure while preserving interpretability. We establish asymptotic properties, including consistency and asymptotic normality, and evaluate performance through simulations and real data. Results show competitive predictive accuracy relative to geostatistical methods and improved interpretability compared to spatial econometric models.