GIS and spatial analytical problems

Abstract

Increasingly, methods of spatial analysis are being integrated within geographical information systems. As this integration occurs, it is important to ensure that, (i) users of GIS recognize the limitations of spatial analysis, (ii) researchers continue to work on removing the existing impediments to accurate spatial analysis, and (iii) developers of GIS consider these limitations. In this article we discuss eight general impediments that arise in spatial analyses that span a diverse range of substantive applications. Geographical information systems offer not only the opportunity to integrate various methods of spatial analysis, but also the chance to learn more about the underlying impediments.