Glossary

Explorative spatial visualization:: This is a purely visual approach, in visualization as well as in interpretation. Visualization is a qualitative and explorative method to explore new data, to identify outliers and to formulate hypothesis.
Geometric SA:: The geometric approach is focused on geometric criteria (location of objects and attributes), and has mainly a descriptive effect. It cannot be used for hypothesis testing. Some examples using geometric SA include: the analysis of point distributions, network analysis (route calculation, shortest path), polygon overlay, analysis of distance relations, shape analysis, or the calculation of slope and exposure in elevation models.
Geostatistical SA:: The geostatistical approach refers to spatially distributed (random) variables. This approach uses statistical methods for description but also for hypothesis testing. Some examples using geostatistical SA include: multivariate statistics, spatial correlation analysis (spatial autocorrelation), and geostatistical interpretation.