Geospatial analysis is the process of geographically referencing data in population research. This process often involves gathering, presentation, manipulation of historical data, GPS, imagery, and satellite photography. The referenced data is then represented graphically in the form of location address, postal code, and geographic coordinates.
The first application spatial analysis was done in the mid 90’s, where the first instance of the geographic information system was used. GIS is a system that used to capture, predict, store, manage, analyze and study everything that is in and around the earth for the soul purpose of demographic reporting.
Over the years, spatial analysis has been applied on many different levels, not only in demographic reporting. Other areas this science has been used include climate modeling programs, animal population management, sales analysis and weather monitoring. A report by MarketandMarkets predicts that the geospatial analytics market will worth $72.21 billion by 2020. This is from $27.42 billion in 2015. This report is not surprising considering how geospatial data is thoroughly filtered to provide accurate trend and predictions.
Geospatial contains a great deal of valuable information. Yet, it’s nearly impossible to derive stand-alone information that can be used to draw any conclusion or assist in important data application. As a result, it’s necessary to make use of various spatial analysis tools in demographic reporting. These tools include.
Spatial Analysis for Macroecology
Acronymed as SAM, this is an essential computer application with a wide array of spatial statistical methods. This program is mainly applied in Biogeography and Macroecology, and it includes tools such as Spatial Correlation, Regression, and Partial Regression, GIS mapping, and processing among others.
GeoDa
The GeoDa software is mainly applied in geovisualization, geospatial analysis, spatial econometrics, geosimulation and more. It’s designed is built to offer new perspective and insights in data analysis.
ArcGIS
This another vital spatial analysis tool that allows smooth and effective spatial analysis, mapping and data management. It is a GIS software that is widely used for applying location-based analysis. Users of this tool can seamlessly discover, make and share maps across borders.
BioMedware
In demographic reporting, there are numerous data on human and their surrounding. Using this tool, you can identify the relationships between people’s health and the environment. BioMedware is a geospatial data analysis tool that focuses on health and environmental sciences.
These are just some of the tools used in geospatial data analysis. However, depending on the interest at hand, these tools can be used simultaneously to derive different results in geographical reporting.
