WHAT IS SPATIAL ANALYSIS?

Spatial analysis is the quantitative study of phenomena that are located in space. As defined by Goodchild (2001), it encompasses a general ability to manipulate spatial data into different forms and extract additional and deeper meaning. There is growing significance of space, spatiality, location, and place in social science and physical science research.

In our work, we are involved in research where space is an important explanatory element, and where spatial modeling and explorations of methods play a major role.  We explore spatial analytical theory and GIScience theory, and apply methods in diverse fields in order to gain deeper understanding of research problems. All methods are not created equal, nor is GIScience, for example, simply a technique.  Understanding of the theory behind modeling, spatial statistics and Geographical Information Science is critical to understanding how the models and the methods used can influence research outcomes. One simple example of this is the modifiable areal unit problem.