Interactive Spatial Data Analysis

Ecology, July, 1996 by Michael W. Palmer

Interactive spatial data analysis is easy to read without being simplistic. Bailey and Gatrell illustrate methods by way of example, instead of by ponderous theory (although theory appears where necessary). The definitions are careful yet clear. Nevertheless, a glossary could have made this book more valuable, given that spatial statistics is so laden with terms. The book includes much practical advice. The authors have good discussions of the limitations of each technique and of what we know and do not know about each technique. The authors almost go overboard in describing the purpose of each chapter and its relation to other chapters.

This book regrettably lacks in-text citations. Literature citations are listed as "further reading" at the ends of chapters. Although the annotations in these "further reading" sections are useful, it is difficult to read the main text and know where to turn for finer points.

Except for the annoyance of a few missing axis labels, the book is remarkably free of typographical errors.

The examples are truly ecumenical: they cover all parts of the globe and come from the disciplines of sociology, demography, criminology, climatology, geography, and medicine. Ecology makes more than a token appearance. Although the case studies are diverse, it is obvious that scientists in different disciplines ask remarkably similar questions.

The DOS-based program INFO-MAP accompanies the book on a 3 1/2[inches] diskette. This program is necessary for a full appreciation of why "Interactive" is part of the title. INFO-MAP exercises on various data sets follow each chapter. INFO-MAP is user friendly and operates off of pull-down menus. However, it is also fairly flexible and can incorporate user-defined formulae. The authors repeatedly inform us that the main purpose of the software is merely to illustrate the concepts in the book. Nevertheless, the analytical power appears to be adequate for moderately sized data sets, and the printed graphical output is in many cases publishable. INFO-MAP may be satisfactory for ecological research in which spatial statistics play a parenthetical role.

Bailey and Gatrell intend Interactive spatial data analysis as an undergraduate text book. I suspect that this book is more appropriate for graduate students. Users will need a full understanding of multiple regression and linear algebra. Although an introductory chapter reviews some basic statistical concepts, the student will need to be comfortable and facile with upper-level statistics before tackling this text. Even though it is intended as a textbook, I can heartily recommend this book as a reference for ecologists employing spatial statistics in their research.

MICHAEL W. PALMER OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY Department of Botany Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-3013