Spatial distribution

A spatial distribution is the arrangement of a phenomenon across the Earth's surface and a graphical display of such an arrangement is an important tool in geographical and environmental statistics. A graphical display of a spatial distribution may summarize raw data directly or may reflect the outcome of more sophisticated data analysis. Many different aspects of a phenomenon can be shown in a single graphical display by using a suitable choice of different colours to represent differences.

Examples

• Many police departments colour-code a city map based on crime statistics.
• The two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method has been used to prepare maps showing the relative accessibility of individuals (demand units) to physicians (supply units), by shading which shows different degrees of accessibility.