Two-step estimation for inhomogeneous spatial point processes

The paper is concerned with parameter estimation for inhomogeneous spatial point processes with a regression model for the intensity function and tractable second-order properties ("K"-function). Regression parameters are estimated by using a Poisson likelihood score estimating function and in the second step minimum contrast estimation is applied for the residual clustering parameters. Asymptotic normality of parameter estimates is established under certain mixing conditions and we exemplify how the results may be applied in ecological studies of rainforests. Copyright (c) 2009 Royal Statistical Society.