Spatial Statistics and Geostatistics
Theory and Applications for Geographic Information Science and Technology
- Yongwan Chun - University of Texas at Dallas, USA
- Daniel A Griffith - University of Texas at Dallas, USA
Spatial Statistics and Geostatistics is the definitive text on spatial statistics. Its focus is on spatial statistics as a distinct form of statistical analysis and it includes computer components for ArcGIS, R, SAS, and WinBUGS. The teaching and learning objective of the text is to illustrate the use of basic spatial statistics and geostatistics, as well as the spatial filtering techniques used in all the relevant programs and software.
The text is a systematic overview of the canonical spatial statistical and geostatistical methods. It explains and demonstrates methods and techniques in spatial sampling; spatial autocorrelation; spatial composition (heterogeneity, homogeneity) and configuration (contiguity), spatially adjusted regression and related spatial econometrics; local statistics: hot and cold spots; geostatistics and related techniques in measuring spatial variance and co-variance; and methods for spatial interpolation in two-dimensions. A concluding section discusses advanced topics in spatial statistics: these include Bayesian methods, the Monte Carlo simulation, and error and uncertainty.
Fully explanatory, Spatial Statistics and Geostatistics uses boxed computer code, diagrams, illustrations; and includes further readings. Case study and exemplary materials and data sets are also included.
Statistical software R is increasing its popularity in scientific community. Nowadays more and more researchers, geographers and GIS analysts are using R for spatial statistics. Therefore, it is important to provide geography and GIS students an opportunity to study also R applications as well. This textbook provides basic tools for applying R for spatial statistics. In addition, this book has brief examples and short strings of codes to apply. This book suites well to advanced level geography and GIS students which are interested in quantitative approach. Together, this book is handy also for PhD candidates utilizing spatial statistics in their work.
An introduction to R software is very short and I guess students have to know the basics of R before. On the other hand it is great that R code and all the necessary datasets are available online. Still it is too advanced for our students, mainly because they are not used to work in R yet.
The book spatial statistics and geostatistics is an essential resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as early researcher, because the authors provide a comprehensive overview of spatial statistics and geostatistics. The book provides an excellent overview, supported by excellent examples. A really useful textbook.
The book is extremely well done, very clear and very helpful, but pretty much advanced. As we are currently developing R skills among students, we are likely to adopt the book in the near future, but for the moment it is too advanced.
The text is a supplementary reading for social sciences students, since it develops the statistical foundations behind most of the techniques employed in social sciences.
Too technical for this level
I quite liked this book and learned some useful things from it. However, it's also rather quirky (eclectic) and not always very clearly written. To me it lacked a clear sense of cohesion or logic to the chapters. Most annoyingly, as far as I can tell the data used in the book are not available anywhere - where to get it isn't mentioned - which renders the R code a bit pointless.
Sample Materials & Chapters
Chapter Five: Spatially Adjusted Regression and Related Spatial Econometrics
