nearest-neighbour

A formula is proposed for calculating the probable limit of error (PLE) of the density estimate which is obtained from measurements of distance from sample points to the nearest member, its nearest neighbour, and its nearest neighbour.
It takes the form:

Forty computer-simulated populations were analysed to derive formulae for estimating density of populations from a set of distances from sample points to the nearest member, from that member to its neighbour and from that neighbour to its nearest neighbour. Distances may be truncated or unlimited.