Let s1 be an integer, : RsR be a compactly supported function, and S() denote the linear span of {(-k):kZs}. We consider the problem of approximating a continuous function f:RsR on compact subsets of Rs from the classes S((h)), h0, based on samples of the function at scattered sites in Rs. We demonstrate how classical polynomial inequalities lead to the construction of local, quasi-interpolatory operators for this purpose. 2000 Academic Press.