Spatial Analysis Services
Spatial Analysis staff provide research support at CPC in the following areas:
- Consultation for Proposal Development and Ongoing Research
- The Spatial Analysis Unit Faculty Advisors, Steve Walsh and Paul Voss, and the Unit Manager, Brian Frizzelle, are available to assist faculty Fellows with
proposal development, from conceptualization to project work planning
and budgeting. In addition, the Unit Manager and staff provide consultative services for Fellows in the ongoing design and modification of spatial analytical techniques, recommending approaches that are methodologically sound and appropriate. Spatial Analysis staff also work closely with the Systems & User Services staff on planning in such areas as hardware and software budgeting and
acquisition.
- Spatial Database Development
- A critical component of any spatial analytical approach is a well designed and complete spatial database. The Spatial Analysis Unit staff have extensive experience in the development of spatial databases. Standard services include the incorporation of secondary data sources into a standardized database structure through map scanning and digitization, aerial photo interpretation, satellite image processing, acquisition and cleaning of data from public sources and commercial providers, and more. We evaluate data sources and advise CPC researchers on the appropriateness and limitations, and implement the data development efforts. We also provide support
in three specialized areas of data development:
- Primary data collection in the field
- Spatial Analysis personnel assist with survey instrument design for primary data collection initiatives including a spatial component. We will develop procedures, training plans and materials, and documentation for the use of GPS units, rangefinders, and other mapping equipment, and produce field maps for use during data collection. We train project members on field data collection and quality control procedures, and may participate in the fieldwork as well.
- Contextual data linkage
- Spatial Analysis staff assist with the use of GPS, address geocoding, map digitizing, or other positioning methods to tie individuals to absolute locations and thereby link them to other contextual information with georeferencing identifiers of any sort. We are experienced with making these linkages and the associated quality control procedures for ensuring their validity.
- Remote sensing data acquisition
- Aerial and satellite-borne sensors are rich sources of data, especially for research applications in population and environment. Spatial Analysis staff guide the selection of the appropriate remote sensor type for measuring the phenomena of interest (e.g., the spatial, temporal, spectral, and radiometric resolutions needed and the platform most appropriate). We locate and obtain data from government and commercial providers, and process and prepare the raw data for further analysis.
- Spatial Analyses and Measurements
- The Spatial Analysis Unit uses state-of-the-art GIS software tools and custom programming to carry out analysis on project spatial databases, including Euclidean and network distance analyses, travel time measurements, spatial density calculations and estimations, spatial buffering and proximity analyses, point pattern analyses, spatial pattern metrics, and more. We work with CPC researchers to develop, carry out, and document analytical strategies appropriate to project research questions.
- Remotely Sensed Image Analysis
- Spatial Analysis staff utilize traditional and cutting-edge software and methods for the analysis of remotely sensed imagery. Traditional approaches include pixel-based land cover classification, land use and land cover change, and the development of derivative products and indices (e.g. vegetation indices, moisture indices, and biophysical measures of vegetative health). Cutting-edge approaches include the extraction of highly detailed land cover information from hyperspectral imagery and the use of object-based image analysis (OBIA) software to classify land use and land cover at the scale of the homogeneous landscape patch.
- Spatially Explicit Simulation Modeling
- An important area of innovation in population/environment research is the development of spatially explicit models to study relationships between population, land use, and the environment. Two types of spatial simulation models are in use within the Spatial Analysis Unit: cellular automata (CA) and agent-based models (ABM). Spatial Analysis staff have several years of experience with the programming tools used to code these models, and will work with CPC researchers to design, develop, and execute them.
- Spatial Statistics
- Another area of expertise among Spatial Analysis Unit staff is the use of spatial statistics. Staff use both standard and specialized statistics software packages to run spatial statistical analyses, and are available to advise CPC Fellows and trainees in their own use of the spatial statistics.
- Cartographic Design and Visualization
- Spatial Analysis staff will assist with map design and development for field data collection, validation of data and analyses, and presentation of results. Staff will help CPC researchers to develop innovative visualizations of their data using the latest tools.
- Training
- An objective of the Spatial Analysis Unit is to expand the capacity of the Center to integrate spatial data, tools, and perspectives into population research. Training is a central part of this. CPC Fellows and trainees can receive individual, specialized instruction on spatial analysis software tools and methodologies from Unit staff. The Unit also conducts occasional workshops on topics of general interest (e.g., linking spatial and demographic data, basic GIS mapping and analysis, GPS data collection).
