Getting Started with Spatial Statistics

Looking for 10.3 or Pro content?

Documentation and other resources for this ArcGIS capability can be accessed from http://desktop.arcgis.com, a new site focused on ArcGIS for Desktop users. In about three weeks we will begin redirecting to that page. Documentation for 10.2x and earlier releases will continue to be accessible.

Don't wait. Begin exploring now!

While there may be similarities between spatial and non-spatial (traditional) statistics in terms of concepts and objectives, spatial statistics are unique in that they were developed specifically for use with geographic data. Unlike traditional non-spatial statistical methods, they incorporate space (proximity, area, connectivity, and/or other spatial relationships) directly into their mathematics.

There are a ton of resources about using and understanding Spatial Statistics, and here on the Geoprocessing and Analysis team we want to make sure that everyone knows where to find them. We also want to make sure that everyone knows that if you have ArcGIS, you already have the Spatial Statistics toolbox, as well as the source code for most of the tools in it. The Spatial Statistics tools are not an extension, and with the exception of only 2 tools*, every tool in the toolbox is available at all license levels!

We've created a shortcut link to this article that is easy to remember: http://esriurl.com/spatialstats. We'll be updating this article as new resources become available, so check back often!

If you have any questions, there is now a Spatial Statistics Forum on the Resource Center. It's a great place to post your spatial stats questions so that everyone can benefit from the responses!

Last update: May 3rd, 2012

Spatial Pattern Analysis: Mapping Trends and Clusters

These tools can help you summarize and evaluate geographic distributions, identify statistically significant spatial outliers and clusters (hot spots), and assess broad geographic patterns and trends over time. These resources will help you find patterns and relationships in your data, facilitating discussion, contributing to research, and informing decision making.

Tutorials/Training

Model and Script Tools

Modeling Spatial Relationships Using Regression Analysis

Regression analysis helps you examine, model, and explore data relationships. Ultimately, regression analysis helps you answer “why?” questions: “Why do we see so much disease in particular areas?”, “What are the factors that contribute to consistently high childhood obesity rates?”, and “Why are screening rates so low in particular regions of the country?”. Regression analysis also allows you to predict spatial outcomes for other places or other time periods: “How will improvements to road conditions impact traffic fatalities?” or “How will projected population growth affect the demand for health services?”. These resources will help you learn about basic regression analysis concepts and workflows as they relate to the analysis of geographic data. Learn how to build a properly specified OLS model, interpret regression results and diagnostics, and potentially use the results of regression analysis to design targeted interventions.

Tutorials/Training

Model and Script Tools

Online Documentation

General Resources for Spatial Statistics Users

Presentations

Books

  • Mitchell, Andy. The ESRI Guide to GIS Analysis, Volume 2 . ESRI Press, 2005.
  • Fotheringham, Stewart A., Chris Brunsdon, and Martin Charlton. Geographically Weighted Regression: the analysis of spatially varying relationships. John Wiley & Sons, 2002.

*Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) requires either an ArcInfo License OR the Spatial Analyst Extension OR the Geostatistical Analyst Extension

*Generate Network Spatial Weights requires the Network Analyst Extension