Spatial Data Analysis With R
- Danlin Yu - Montclair State University, USA
Geographical Methodology | Regression & Correlation | Sociological Research Methods
This is an introduction for social science students to the growing field of spatial data analysis using the R platform. The text assumes no prior knowledge of either, beyond the contents of an introductory statistics course. It uses the open-source software R, and relevant spatial data analysis packages, to provide practical guidance of how to conduct spatial data analysis with readers' own data sets. The book first briefly introduces students to R, covers some basic concepts in statistical data analysis, and then focuses on discussing the central ideas of spatial data analysis. All the discussions are supported with R scripts so that students can work on their own and produce results that the book helps interpret. Each chapter ends with review questions to test understanding. The book is suited for upper-level undergraduate social science students and graduate students, and other social scientists who are interested in analyzing their spatial data with R.
A companion website for the book at https://edge.sagepub.com/yu includes R code and data for students to replicate the examples in the book. The password-protected instructor side of the site includes exercises and answers which can be set for homework.
This text provides an excellent introduction along with a thorough overview of spatial analysis techniques with R. The book provides a solid framework to move students through a wide variety of models and spatial frameworks for analysis while maintaining a level of accessibility superior to other texts on the subject. With the increasing importance and application of spatial analysis in research, this text is appropriate for a variety of disciplines including the natural sciences and social sciences.
The book's approach to teaching spatial data analysis has the potential to significantly enhance the learning experience in the classroom.
The book effectively combines theoretical concepts with practical applications, providing students with the essential skills to translate learning into practice.
This is a textbook I would use with my graduate students and doctoral students. This text will help students feel more comfortable with statistics and numbers.