From fields to objects: A review of geographic boundary analysis

G. M. Jacquez, S. Maruca and M.-J. Fortin
Additional contact information
G. M. Jacquez: BioMedware, 516 North State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1236, USA (e-mail: jacquez@biomedware.com)
S. Maruca: BioMedware, 516 North State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1236, USA (e-mail: jacquez@biomedware.com)
M.-J. Fortin: Departement de Geographie, Universit de Montreal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada

Journal of Geographical Systems, 2000, vol. 2, issue 3, 241 pages

Abstract: Abstract. Geographic boundary analysis is a relatively new approach unfamiliar to many spatial analysts. It is best viewed as a technique for defining objects – geographic boundaries – on spatial fields, and for evaluating the statistical significance of characteristics of those boundary objects. This is accomplished using null spatial models representative of the spatial processes expected in the absence of boundary-generating phenomena. Close ties to the object-field dialectic eminently suit boundary analysis to GIS data. The majority of existing spatial methods are field-based in that they describe, estimate, or predict how attributes (variables defining the field) vary through geographic space. Such methods are appropriate for field representations but not object representations. As the object-field paradigm gains currency in geographic information science, appropriate techniques for the statistical analysis of objects are required. The methods reviewed in this paper are a promising foundation. Geographic boundary analysis is clearly a valuable addition to the spatial statistical toolbox.¶ This paper presents the philosophy of, and motivations for geographic boundary analysis. It defines commonly used statistics for quantifying boundaries and their characteristics, as well as simulation procedures for evaluating their significance. We review applications of these techniques, with the objective of making this promising approach accessible to the GIS-spatial analysis community. We also describe the implementation of these methods within geographic boundary analysis software: GEM.

Keywords: Key words: Boundary; boundary detection; spatial analysis; object definition; spatial software; JEL classification: C00; C10; C88 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2000
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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DOI: 10.1007/PL00011456

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