GIS and exploratory spatial data analysis: an overview of some research issues

Much has recently been written about the need to embed into GIS greater analytical capabilities than currently exist. However, relatively little has been written about the types of analytical capabilities that are most suited to a GIS environment; an environment which can be characterised as data-rich and primarily visual. Similarly, relatively little thought seems to have been given to what, if any, advantages arise from performing spatial analysis on a GIS. This paper explores both of these issues with the conclusion that the routines that stand to profit most from being run within a GIS are those termed "exploratory' rather than their "confirmatory' counterparts. Several issues in the development of exploratory spatial data analysis on a GIS are addressed. -Authors