Instructor: Dr. M. M. Yagoub

What is Spatial Analysis?

Spatial Analysis is a process that uses spatial data to:

1. identifying a research question

2. Modeling that question

3. Investigating model results

4. Interpreting the results

What is Spatial modeling?

Spatial modeling is structured as a set of rules and procedures that use geographic data to:

1. simulate a process

2. understand a situation

3. predict an outcome

4. analyze a problem

List and define the main categories of spatial modeling?

1. Geometric models: distance between features, generating buffers, calculating areas and perimeters

2. Coincidence models: such as topological overlay

3. Adjacency models: path finding, redistricting, and allocation

List some examples of spatial analysis?

1. Single layer operations (proximity)

2. Multiple layer operations (Union, Intersect)

3. Network analysis (shortest path)

4. Surface analysis (TIN, Aspect, Slope)

5. Grid analysis (flow direction, diffusion)

List the main steps in spatial analysis?

1. Establish analysis objectives and criteria

2. Prepare data for spatial analysis (spatial + attribute)

3. Perform spatial operations (buffering, overlay, feature extraction)

4. Perform tabular analysis using arithmetic and logical operations;

5. Evaluate and interpret the results (validity by producing plots and reports)

6. Refine the analysis by identifying the shortcomings and limitations of the analysis

7. Produce final maps and tabular report of the results.

You are asked to use GIS to select a suitable area for dumping site, list the main steps?

1. Analysis objective or question is:

How can you find a suitable dumping site, that is economically, legally, and environmentally sounded?

2. Environmental factors and data needed:

Groundwater contamination (geological maps showing groundwater)

Surface water contamination (maps for rivers, lakes in the area)

Slope (contour maps)

Marine environment: shore maps if your area is near a sea or ocean

Soil contamination (Soil map is needed)

Human health: need to screen residential areas (e.g. Settlements ,Airports, Hotels) from a land use and road maps for:

Air pollution: methane and carbon dioxide

Noise pollution: dB level

3. Analysis

Feature extraction from a GIS database can be done using commands such as RESELECT, Intersect, Union, Map join , and CLIP

Logic such as SELECT, ASELECT, NSELECT and Boolean operators (= , < >, >, <, >=, <=, EQ, NE, GT, LT,GE, LE, CN, IN).

Perform Proximity searches (Zoning and Buffering)

4. Produce final maps and tabular report of the results

5. Check the areas by paying a field visit to the sites identified

6. Refine the results and produce final maps and reports