Summary
Contents
Subject index
The widespread use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has significantly increased the demand for knowledge about spatial analytical techniques across a range of disciplines. As growing numbers of researchers realize they are dealing with spatial data, the demand for specialized statistical and mathematical methods designed to deal with spatial data is undergoing a rapid increase. Responding to this demand, The SAGE Handbook of Spatial Analysis is a comprehensive and authoritative discussion of issues and techniques in the field of spatial data analysis.
Spatial Autocorrelation
Spatial Autocorrelation
Introduction
Objects in natural systems (e.g., tree species in a forest) are rarely randomly distributed over space. In fact, they usually have some degree of patchiness (i.e., they are spatially clustered). Spatial aggregation of objects produces a variety of distinct spatial patterns that can be characterized by the size and shape of the aggregations, and can be quantified according to the degree of similarity between the objects in their attributes or quantitative values. These properties of spatial patterns can be indicative of the underlying processes and factors that generate and modify them through time. This is why in most disciplines (geography, economics, ecology, evolution, epidemiology, environmental science, genetics, etc.), the first step toward the understanding of phenomena is to determine whether the actual ...
- Loading...