STATISTICAL MODELING OF REGIONAL GIS DATA - AN OVERVIEW

Rapid advances in computing technology have facilitated the storage an d manipulation of large sets of data in Geographic Information Systems . These data present new opportunities for modelling spatial distribut ion and change to distribution at a regional scale. The models used sh ould take account of the special nature of GIS data, particularly the differing resolution associated with different variables. Likewise, in ferences, either concerning model selection or model predictions, shou ld be made with reference to the sampling units on which the estimates are based. Computer-intensive statistical methods, especially the boo tstrap, are suitable for studying the variability of predictions. Pres entation of results in map form should be accompanied by estimates of error.