1. Methodological context
Chapter 3
Methodological context

2. Spatial analysis as a process
Problem formulation
Data gathering
Exploratory analysis
Hypothesis formulation
Modelling and testing
Consultation and review
Reporting and implementation
3rd edition

3. Analytical methodologies
Mitchell (2005) Draper et al (2005)
3rd edition

4. Analytical methodologies - PPDAC
After Mackay & Oldford (2002)
3rd edition

5. PPDAC Views spatial analysis in a broader context
Model is highly iterative
Analysis is just part of the process
Considers the process flow in reverse
Spatial is special – extending the PPDAC methodology …
3rd edition

6. PPDAC Extended PPDAC for spatial analysis
Spatial focus – spatial relationships and spatial dependence
Spatio-temporal focus
Failure to meet classical statistical criteria
Pattern and process relationship
Spatial data sourcing and quality
3rd edition

7. PPDAC – Problem phase Problem definition
Clear definition of problem/project and (client) expectations is paramount
Desk research as part of initial process
Identification of specific spatial issues:
spatial (and statistical) scale factors
spatial arrangement factors
data availability and quality
spatial grouping issues
ecological fallacy, atomistic fallacy
3rd edition

8. PPDAC – Plan phase Nature of project Costing requirements
Decision-support requirements
Public participation issues
Operational requirements
Timing and critical dates
Funding and resourcing
Feasibility and risk analysis
Client expectations
3rd edition

9. PPDAC – Plan phase – cont.
Specifications and standards
Data components required
Data sourcing and augmenting
Sampling, populations and inference
Adopting multiple approaches
Seeking robustness
Testing/simulating the process flow
Handling exceptions & rare events
Re-examining the problem specification
3rd edition

10. PPDAC – Data phase Data quality & sourcing issues Quality Cost
Licensing
Availability
Completeness & consistency
Timeliness
Detail/resolution
Intangible/qualitative data
3rd edition

11. PPDAC – Data phase Data quality & GIS tools - examples
Boundary definition and density computation
Missing data handling and masking
Classification
Data transformation
Breakline handling
Error mapping
Simulation
3rd edition

12. PPDAC – Data phase Changing context Spatial Data Infrastructures
Geoportals
Metadata
New data capture tools
Changes in data visualisation & usage
Interdisciplinary nature of geospatial analysis
3rd edition

13. PPDAC – Analysis Phase Simplicity and parsimony
Exploratory analysis & visualisation
Interpretation of spatial patterns
Construction of hypotheses
Build-test-criticise ‘model’ cycle
Developing preliminary conclusions
Match to expectations?
3rd edition

14. PPDAC – Analysis Phase Types of model Mathematical/Statistical models
Cartographic modeling
Flow models
Micro-scale modeling... etc
3rd edition

15. PPDAC – Analysis Phase Simple dynamic cartographic model 3rd edition

16. PPDAC – Analysis Phase Sample risk assessment model output 3rd edition

17. PPDAC – Conclusion Phase
Expectations on delivery met?
Simplicity again
Clear/high quality visualisation
Identify and report strengths, weaknesses and possible sources of error
Recommendations
Future actions
3rd edition

18. PPDAC – Final comments
Work through and specify each model step before commencing – test out ideas
Identify risk areas and revisit PPDAC elements as required
Confirm overall programme and deliverables with ‘client’
Manage risks and changes
3rd edition