Exploring Spatial Patterns in Your Data Using ArcGIS 10

Description

When starting a GIS analysis project, how do you know which tool or combination of tools to select? Visually inspecting your data on a map is an important first step. Going beyond a simple visualization to an in-depth examination of your data's characteristics is the next step, and the topic of this course. You will learn how to use spatial statistics tools and ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst tools to better understand your data—and ensure the analysis methods and tools you choose are appropriate and will generate reliable results that support decision making.

Who Should Attend

Anyone who wants to create statistically valid prediction surfaces and models, especially GIS analysts and specialists, students, and researchers and professionals working in industries such as public health, hydrology, meteorology, agriculture, environmental management, and mining.

Learn How To

• Know what questions to ask about your data before choosing an analysis tool.
• Examine the spatial distribution of a dataset to identify clusters and spatial relationships in the data.
• Understand the properties of a normally distributed dataset.
• Interpret a histogram to determine the frequency distribution of a dataset.
• Find outliers in your data using a semivariogram cloud, Voronoi map, histogram, and normal QQ plot.
• Use a trend analysis graph to identify patterns in your data.
• Assess which analysis tools are appropriate given the spatial distribution and values of your data.

To complete course exercises, you need the following software:

• ArcGIS 10.0 for Desktop (ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo)
• ArcGIS 10.0 Geostatistical Analyst

Explore the location of your data

• What is spatial statistics?
• What factors should you consider when exploring your data?
• Where is your data?
• Explore the spatial distribution of your data

Explore the values of your data

• Normally distributed data
• What is the frequency of your data?
• What is the distribution of your data?
• Explore your data distribution

Explore spatial relationships in your data

• How is the value of the data related to its location?
• Variation in your data
• Data outliers
• Explore the variation in your data
• Explore the spatial patterns of your data

Explore trends in your data

• Trend analysis
• Selecting an appropriate analysis technique
• Look for global trends in your data

• Completion of ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality or Learning ArcGIS Desktop or equivalent knowledge is required.
• Completion of an introductory statistics course or equivalent knowledge is helpful but not required.