1. A method for modeling a relationship between first and second data collections, wherein for each member of the first data collection, there is a corresponding member of the second collection, comprising: determining residuals between the first and second collections; determining, using the residuals, a position of one of the members of the first data collection; determining proximity data relative to a value (V) for the one member of the first data collection at the position; determining a subcollection of the first collection, wherein each member of the subcollection has a value that is in proximity to the value V according to the proximity data; and generating a basis function from the subcollection for obtaining a model of the relationship; outputting model information for presentation to a user or a predetermined process for affecting or identifying a physical event, wherein the model information includes at least one of: (a) data indicative of a correspondence between the model and the relationship, (b) data indicative of a variance between the model and the relationship, (c) an extrapolation of the relationship, (d) an interpolation of the relationship, and (e) notification of the physical event and wherein the basis function is modulated, or skewed, by a shape function.