Spatial Analysis

Spatial analysis consists of quantitative, statistical techniques of analysis applied to data with a spatial dimension. An example of its application might be an investigation into how consumption patterns are similar in different neighborhoods associated with similar socioeconomic profiles. Spatial analysis may be used to explore how spatial factors interact with other phenomena, or to control for spatial factors to investigate other, nonspatial, factors. With the development of information technology and increasing capacity of computers, spatial analysis has become increasingly associated with geographic information systems (GIS). In addition, the development of sensors and scanners, such as video cameras and GPS devices, to capture spatial data and record the location of objects and phenomena has made spatial data more available.

A brief introduction describes the growing importance ...