sae2

Time series area-level models for small area estimation. The package supplements the functionality of the sae package. Specifically, it includes EBLUP fitting of the original Rao-Yu model, which in the original form did not have a spatial component. The package also offers a modified ('dynamic') version of the Rao-Yu model, replacing the assumption of stationarity. Both univariate and multivariate applications are supported. Of particular note is the allowance for covariance of the area-level sample estimates over time, as encountered in rotating panel designs such as the U.S. National Crime Victimization Survey or present in a time-series of 5-year estimates from the American Community Survey. Key references to the methods include J.N.K. Rao and I. Molina (2015, ISBN:9781118735787), J.N.K. Rao and M. Yu (1994) doi:10.2307/3315407, and R.E. Fay and R.A. Herriot (1979) doi:10.1080/01621459.1979.10482505.