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Spatial analysis measures the relative shape, distance, and position of objects in various industries. It originated with the creation of maps and improved with advances in geometry and mathematics. Modern techniques are based on mathematical and statistical models and are used in science, engineering, and manufacturing. Geography and geographic information systems (GIS) are fundamental to spatial analysis, with GIS databases containing three-dimensional coordinates of millions of objects and locations. This has a direct impact on daily life through navigation and global positioning systems.
Spatial analysis is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of processes in many different industries. In general, these different areas have one thing in common; they are based on techniques and technologies that measure the relative shape, distance and position of objects. For example, in cartography, spatial analysis refers to the placement of cities and road boundaries, but in electrical engineering, it helps determine the distance of energy flow and the location of circuits. Despite all these various meanings, one of the most common uses of spatial analysis involves geography and geographic information systems.
The science of spatial analysis probably originated with the creation of maps thousands of years ago. This first variety of analysis was rudimentary and imprecise. As various other sciences have improved, this science has also improved. One of the most important advances has come through improvements in geometry and mathematics. When space science was combined with math, accuracy improved dramatically.
Spatial analysis is still governed by mathematics today. The vast majority of modern analysis techniques are based on mathematical and statistical models. These techniques use known numerical values to plot probable progressions. These progressions are tracked in a special system, which creates a relative spatial shape. This scheme, if everything worked out correctly, comes close to a real-life three-dimensional design.
Some form of spatial analysis is used in nearly every branch of science, engineering, and manufacturing. The techniques of this science are used whenever the relative position of objects is important to a process. For example, the placement of a car in a manufacturing plant, the size of a part in a car engine, or the influence that distance has on plant reproduction are all based on this science.
While these processes are important to many fields, they are fundamental to the geographic sciences. Geography is based on the comparison of distances between land features, both natural and man-made. Maps, a natural byproduct of the study of geography, are one of the simplest spatial models available.
When geography, cartography and computers came together, the geographic information system (GIS) was born. GIS databases are one of the largest spatial analysis projects ever attempted. These databases contain three-dimensional coordinates of millions of objects and locations.
Using these known data points, the relative position of almost everything on Earth can be found. These data points provide more than coordinates. With a basic mathematical model it is possible to extrapolate addresses and localities. This form of spatial analysis has a direct impact on users’ daily lives through navigation and global positioning systems.
