Summary
The current function emp_start works well to speed up us covariance estimation. I would like to extend this to the other non-spatial covariance structures so that we start with a close approximation before going into a general optimization loop.
Additional Information
Essentially, the existing emp_start need only use an additional helper function that calculates a reasonable starting value for non-us covariance structures from the empirical covariance matrix.
Summary
The current function
emp_startworks well to speed upuscovariance estimation. I would like to extend this to the other non-spatial covariance structures so that we start with a close approximation before going into a general optimization loop.Additional Information
Essentially, the existing
emp_startneed only use an additional helper function that calculates a reasonable starting value for non-uscovariance structures from the empirical covariance matrix.