GEORGES MATHERON – A PIONEER IN THE FIELD OF GEOSTATISTICS

As geologists, statistical methods are fundamental to our science yet we often implement complex analyses without consideration of their origin and evolution. Georges Matheron, a French mathematician and geologist, is not only credited with coining the term “geostatistics” but contributed to the development of numerous methods in the field. He studied mathematics, probability theory, and physics at École Polytechnique and École des Mines de Paris before joining the French Geological Survey. His thesis addressed the theory of regionalized variables and a description of the theory of kriging. His work at the French Geological Survey in France and Algeria prompted a need to develop methods for estimating mineral reserves in an efficient and accurate manner. It is at this point that he collected all his methods for estimating mineral assemblages into what he subsequently called “geostatistics.” In addition to utilizing geostatistics for mineral exploration, Matheron realized his methods were applicable outside geology including biology, environmental studies, and others. Matheron continued the development of various geostatistical methods throughout his career and eventually became director of the newly created Centre de Morphologie Mathématique in Fontainebleau, France. This presentation illustrates the contributions made by Matheron to the field of geostatistics including but certainly not limited to mathematical morphology, kriging, flow in porous media, and truncated Gaussian simulations.