| Spatial analysis in GIS |
Spatial analysis allows you to solve complex location-oriented problems, find patterns, assess trends, and make decisions. Spatial analysis goes beyond mapping and allows you to study the characteristics of places and the relationships among them. Spatial analysis lends new perspectives to your decision-making.
Spatial analysis is a type of geographical analysis which seeks to explain patterns of human behaviour and its spatial expression in terms of mathematics and geometry, focusing on the statistical analysis of patterns and underlying processes. Examples include nearest neighbour analysis, spatial clusters and Thiessen polygons among others.
The examples below show spatial analysis maps:
Using spatial analysis, you can combine information from many sources and derive new information by applying a set of spatial operators. This collection of spatial analysis tools allows you to answer complex spatial questions. Statistical analysis can determine whether the patterns that you see are significant. You can analyze various layers to calculate the suitability of a place for a particular activity and, using image analysis, you can detect change over time. These tools allow you to address important questions and decisions that are beyond the scope of simple visual analysis.
You can use the analysis and geoprocessing capabilities in ArcGIS Pro to answer many spatial questions and perform spatial analysis. To perform spatial analysis, first frame your question. Then prepare and analyze your data. Finally, visualize and communicate your results. Spatial analysis in ArcGIS Pro is extended from 2D to 3D and through time.
Using geoprocessing tools in ArcGIS Pro, you can perform the following types of operations on geographic data:
