Читать книгу GIS Research Methods - Steven J. Steinberg - Страница 35

Spatial analysis explores the relationships within and between data in space and provides the ability to define the common geographies and their characteristics as they relate to other information that has been collected. It is common for spatial thinking to be informed through our direct experience and knowledge of a local environment or place. When you find your way around town to various locations, you are using informal spatial analysis. When you thoughtfully and methodically assess spatial data to determine patterns, you are using formal spatial analysis. GIS facilitates spatial analysis.

Although GIS is a relatively new tool, the concept of conducting a geographically based spatial analysis of social issues is fairly old. Past researchers from a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, forestry, public health, history, biology, political science, urban planning, geography, economics, and sociology, have incorporated spatial analysis into their research projects.