Shadow Simulated Annealing: A new algorithm for approximate Bayesian inference of Gibbs point processes

Abstract This paper presents a new algorithm for statistical inference and analysis of spatial patterns assumed to be realisations of Gibbs point processes. This approach has a general character and it contributes to the existing methods based on Approximate Bayesian Computation, by providing control properties of the proposed solution. Results on simulated data and real data are presented. The real data application fits an inhomogeneous area interaction point process to cosmological data. The obtained results validate two important aspects of the galaxies distribution in our Universe : proximity of the galaxies from the cosmic filament network together with territorial clustering at given range of interactions. Finally, conclusions and perspectives are depicted.