AN INTUITIVE APPROACH TO ANALYZING SMALL POINT-SOURCE SPATIAL DATA SETS

Sophisticated Geographical Information Systems require major intellect ual input for proficient use. Simple GIS are easy to use but often lac k important features. One of these is the ability to fit an accurate s urface to or contour point data. We demonstrate an approach to analysi ng spatial data (whether from point source or not) which would also be suitable for many users interested in the analysis and mapping of sma ll spatial data sets. Examples include a Direct Gradient Analysis of a montane heath community and an appraisal of a scheme for assessing fr ost hazard. The approach is powerful and easy to use; it is also intui tive as spatial relationships are not lost during error checking or an alysis.