Using the geospatial capabilities of R for an integrated data analysis workflow

Presentation Abstract

When most scientists and analysts have geospatial tasks to perform, they instinctively turn to traditional GIS software such as ESRI ArcGIS or open source tools such as QGIS or GRASS. These tools are powerful and well suited to their specialties. However, when working with spatial data it is rarely the case that the entire analytical workflow can be completed in a GIS environment alone: data must often be cleaned or restructured before being imported into the GIS, or statistical analysis or visualization is performed after spatial analysis is completed. Many analysts also use the statistical programming language R to perform this related data analysis work. Switching back and forth between GIS software and R breaks up the workflow both cognitively and practically, and reduces reproducibility of analyses. R is very well known for its advanced statistical capabilities, but it also has a suite of powerful and extensive spatial packages. These include functionality for basic GIS operations such as clipping, buffering, and spatial overlays, but also include advanced techniques such as point pattern analysis, kriging, and spatial regression, as well as excellent spatial visualization capabilities. I will give an overview of the spatial capabilities of R, how using R as a comprehensive data analysis environment is beneficial, as well as some challenges.

Session Title

Mapping and Data

Conference Track

Salish Sea Snapshots

Conference Name

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)

Document Type

Event

Start Date

2016 12:00 AM

End Date

2016 12:00 AM

Location

2016SSEC

Type of Presentation

Snapshot

Genre/Form

conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)

Contributing Repository

Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Subjects – Topical (LCSH)

Geospatial data; Spatial analysis (Statistics)

Rights

This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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Jan 1st, 12:00 AM Jan 1st, 12:00 AM

Using the geospatial capabilities of R for an integrated data analysis workflow

2016SSEC

When most scientists and analysts have geospatial tasks to perform, they instinctively turn to traditional GIS software such as ESRI ArcGIS or open source tools such as QGIS or GRASS. These tools are powerful and well suited to their specialties. However, when working with spatial data it is rarely the case that the entire analytical workflow can be completed in a GIS environment alone: data must often be cleaned or restructured before being imported into the GIS, or statistical analysis or visualization is performed after spatial analysis is completed. Many analysts also use the statistical programming language R to perform this related data analysis work. Switching back and forth between GIS software and R breaks up the workflow both cognitively and practically, and reduces reproducibility of analyses. R is very well known for its advanced statistical capabilities, but it also has a suite of powerful and extensive spatial packages. These include functionality for basic GIS operations such as clipping, buffering, and spatial overlays, but also include advanced techniques such as point pattern analysis, kriging, and spatial regression, as well as excellent spatial visualization capabilities. I will give an overview of the spatial capabilities of R, how using R as a comprehensive data analysis environment is beneficial, as well as some challenges.