[R-sig-Geo] Interpolating Count Data?

[Hollister.Jeff at epamail.epa.gov]

All,

I am reviewing some research in which a number of interpolations
(Inverse Distance Weighting) were done on Species Abundance and Taxa
Richness.  My gut and my memory suggest that interpolating count data is
not acceptable.  After several hours of research I couldn't confirm
this.

My questions for the list are:

1.) Is it acceptable or not to interpolate count data?

2.) Are there any good references that state this?

Thanks in advance your help!

Cheers,
Jeff

***************************
Dr. Jeffrey W. Hollister
US EPA
Atlantic Ecology Division
27 Tarzwell Drive
Narragansett, RI 02882
(401) 782-9655