Spatial Analysis and GeoComputation

The dissemination of digital spatial databases, coupled with the ever wider use of GISystems, is stimulating increasing interest in spatial analysis from outside the spatial sciences. The recognition of the spatial dimension in social science research sometimes yields different and more meaningful results than analysis which ignores it. The emphasis in this book is on spatial analysis from the perspective of Geo- Computation. GeoComputation is a new computational-intensive paradigm that increasingly illustrates its potential to radically change current research practice in spatial analysis. This volume contains selected essays of Manfred M. Fischer. By drawing together a number of related papers, previously scattered in space and time, the collection aims to provide important insights into novel styles to perform spatial modelling and analysis tasks. Based on the latest developments in esti- tion theory, model selection and testing this volume develops neural networks into advanced tools for non-parametric modelling and spatial interaction modelling. Spatial Analysis and GeoComputation is essentially a multi-product und- taking, in the sense that most of the contributions are multi-authored publications. All these co-authors deserve the full credit for this volume, as they have been the scientific source of the research contributions included in the present volume. This book is being published simultaneously with Innovation, Networks and Knowledge Spillovers: Selected Essays. I would also like to thank Gudrun Decker, Thomas Seyffertitz and Petra Staufer- Steinnocher for their capable assistance in co-ordinating the various stages of the preparation of the book.

Spatial analysis has been in existence for a long time. More recently, GeoComputation - a new computationally intensive paradigm - is changing research practice in spatial analysis. Coupled with improvements in data availability and increases in computer memory and speed, novel perspectives and techniques from the field of computational intelligence give rise to new types of geocomputational concepts, models, and techniques in spatial analysis.

This volume contains selected essays of Manfred M. Fischer in the field of spatial analysis from the perspective of GeoComputation. The volume is structured in four parts. The first sets the context by dealing with broad issues related with spatial analysis and the role of GIS. The second relates to computational intelligence technologies such as neural networks that provide a new style of performing spatial modelling and analysis tasks in geography and other spatial sciences. The third part provides the theoretical framework required and displays the efficient use of various adaptive pattern classifiers in remote sensing environments. The final part outlines the latest, most significant developments in neural spatial interaction modelling.

The book should be read by all who seek to use geocomputational models and techniques for solving real world problems.

Manfred M. Fischer is Professor in Economic Geography and GIScience at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, Austria.