# Interpolators

Interpolators are used at several points in DORiE to evaluate discrete input data at every physical location on the grid.

Currently, interpolators are used in the Parameter File, and when loading an initial condition from data with the options given in the Configuration File.

Note

The type of interpolator may change how the input data is interpreted. In particular, different interpolators require different input dataset shapes for the same grid configuration.

## Interpolator Types

Every interpolator assumes that the input data spans a rectangle (2D) or cuboid (3D). In case of initial conditions, the respective volume is streched to cover the entire grid. For scaling fields, users may specify extensions and offset of the volume, or opt for it to cover the entire grid by omitting the respective keys in the parameter file.

Nearest neighbor interpolator
• interpolation: nearest

Interprets dataset values as cell values. No extrapolation is applied. The lowest supported dataset dimensions are (1, 1) (single value everywhere).

Use this interpolator for cell-centered data like scaling field values and initial conditions for a finite volume solver.

Tip

To provide the exact scaling factors for each cell of a grid of $$1 \times 10$$ cells, use the nearest interpolator with a dataset of shape (10, 1) (dimensions are inverted). The dataset value are the function values at the cell barycenters.

Linear interpolator
• interpolation: linear

Interprets dataset values as vertex values and linearaly interpolates between them. No extrapolation is applied. The lowest supported dataset dimensions are (2, 2) (one value in each corner).

Use this interpolator if input data should be interpreted as continuous functions like initial conditions for a DG solver.

Tip

To provide the initial condition for a DG solver with finite element polynomials of order $$k = 1$$ on a grid of $$1 \times 10$$ cells, use the linear interpolator with a dataset of shape (11, 2) (dimensions are inverted). The dataset values are the function values at the grid vertices.