Geospatial Analysis in the Social and Environmental Sciences

Using a series of examples this course aims to extend a student’s knowledge of GIS by investigating the three main elements of spatial analysis. First, cartographic models are used to illustrate the representation of data on a map as well as map-based operations generating new maps. Second, forms of spatial modelling are used to illustrate the possible spatial interactions that exist between objects in a model. Last, various spatial data analysis techniques are employed to look for evidence of possible spatial relationships that exist in data. These include autocorrelation, point pattern analysis, and geodemographic analysis. A variety of software packages are used to explore each element of geospatial analysis as well as highlight a number of problems inherent when dealing with spatial data such as the ecological fallacy and modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP).