Spatial Clustering

Spatial Clustering is the process of grouping geographic objects or phenomena based on their spatial proximity and similarity of attributes. This analytical technique identifies areas where similar features or events are concentrated, revealing patterns of spatial organization and relationships.

The method combines location information with attribute data to discover meaningful spatial groupings that might not be apparent through traditional non-spatial clustering approaches. Spatial clustering helps identify hotspots, understand spatial processes, and support decision-making in various fields by revealing how phenomena cluster across geographic space.

Practical Applications

• Disease outbreak detection and epidemiological surveillance
• Crime pattern analysis for law enforcement resource allocation
• Market segmentation based on geographic customer characteristics
• Environmental monitoring for pollution source identification
• Urban planning for identifying development patterns and growth areas

Related Terms

• Hotspot Analysis
• Spatial Autocorrelation
• Point Pattern Analysis
• Cluster Detection
• Spatial Statistics