Spatial Analysis

Advanced Spatial Analysis

Vectore and Raster analysis techniques, overlay operations, and proximity analysis.

Vector Analysis

Buffer, overlay, intersection, and network analysis operations.

📖 GIS eBook - Chapter 8

Raster Analysis

Map algebra, surface analysis, and reclassification techniques.

📖 GIS eBook - Chapter 9

Proximity & Spatial Statistics

Distance analysis, hotspot analysis, and spatial autocorrelation.

📖 GIS eBook - Chapter 10

Spatial Analysis Fundamentals

• Tobler's First Law (1970): "Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things." Published in his paper on urban growth simulation in the Detroit region. This principle makes where things happen an integral part of spatial analysis.
• Kernel Density Estimation (KDE): Creates a continuous "heat surface" from discrete point locations, revealing spatial clustering. Used in the John Snow workshop to identify the contamination source.
• Voronoi (Thiessen) Polygons: Define service areas or catchment zones. Each polygon encloses all locations nearest to its generating point.
• MAUP (Modifiable Areal Unit Problem): Results can change based on how spatial boundaries are drawn. Always test findings at multiple scales.
• Ecological Fallacy: Assuming individuals possess the average characteristics of their group. Spatial averages mask local variation.

Tobler's Law in Practice: GIS Techniques

Tobler's First Law is not just a philosophical statement. It directly powers the analytical techniques you use in GIS:

• Spatial Interpolation: Nearby measurements have greater influence on estimated values. This allows creation of smooth, continuous surfaces (e.g., elevation, temperature) from scattered sample points.
• Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR): Extends standard regression by allowing relationships between variables to change across space, capturing local variations that global models miss.
• Spatial Lags: Incorporate the influence of neighboring observations to reveal spatial dependence and show how one area can affect another.

Final Exam Prep

This extensive session covers core exam material.

Assessed