The concepts involved in spatial statistics require a basic knowledge of GIS and statistics. It may be worth visiting our GIS information page first.
What is Spatial Statistics?
Spatial statistics is all about analysing data that has a spatial (location) characteristic to it. This type of analysis looks for patterns or correlation in recorded observations of some process that occurs across a space. There are two main forms of these data:
- Point Processes - This is data comprises the location of particular point events. Typical analysis would concentrate on analysing the patterns produced by the points. More specifically, analysis would try to determine if there are random, regular or clustered patterns evident. An example of this could be the study of the positions of a specific type of tree in a forest.
- Geostatistical or Continuous Processes - This data is collected at point locations but represents a continuous measurement. The method can be used to statistically predict a value in a new location based on values around it. An example of this is a study is a prediction of a yearly rainfall value based on the rainfall figures available around town. There is also another type of data known as lattice data which is basically continuous data in grid form. This data can be analysed the same way as geostatistical data using the centroids of the cells.
SPAN and Spatial Statistics
Some Spatial Statistics support is available through SPAN's representative Simon McDonald at Charles Sturt's Port Macquarie campus. Enquiries about courses available at Charles Sturt in Spatial Statistics should be directed to the School of Computing and Mathematics. Additional statistics support is available from Charles Sturt's Quantitative Consulting Unit on a collaboration or consultancy arrangement.
How do I get started?
Training, software and support are available from SPAN. The software used for spatial statistics is R and is available for all Charles Sturt researchers.
