Statistical Detection and Surveillance of Geographic Clusters

The widespread popularity of geographic information systems (GIS) has led to new insights in countless areas of application. It has facilitated not only the collection and storage of geographic data, but also the display of such data. Building on this progress by using an integrated approach, Statistical Detection and Monitoring of Geographic Clusters provides the statistical tools to identify whether data on a given map deviates significantly from expectations and to determine quickly whether new point patterns are emerging over time.

The book begins with a review of statistical methods for cluster detection, organized according to the different types of hypotheses and questions about clustering that can be investigated. It then delineates methods that allow for the quick detection of emergent geographic clusters.

The book delivers a cohesive presentation unlike that of most edited volumes. Drawing on the authors' extensive work in the field, the book delineates methods in such a way that they can be applied, almost instantly, to an array of disciplines. The readily applicable methods the book describes are useful for a multitude of problems in a variety of fields, particularly disease surveillance in the public health industry. Statistical Detection and Monitoring of Geographic Clusters is an essential volume for your reference shelf.

Peter Rogerson, Ikuho Yamada