Spatial Analysis

Course Description

*the course is not offered during the academic year 2025–2026

Objectives

Spatial analysis is a module in the scientific fields of quantitative geography and geoinformatics. The module aims to introduce the exploratory and interpretive analysis of geographic data using quantitative methods. The module provides the necessary technical tools and skills to study the spatial dimension of various phenomena from a geographic perspective, using open-source software (QGIS και GeoDa).

At the end of the module students should have understood what spatial analysis is, what methods can be used to perform spatial analysis and how these methods should be applied using special software, be able to select the appropriate data and appropriate methods of analysis in order to study a phenomenon with a spatial dimension, and have an overview of modern methods of spatial analysis used in the industry and in research projects.

Content

Introduction to spatial analysis, the role of GIS in spatial analysis, the visualization of geographic data as an analysis method, spatial inequalities, human development, poverty, deprivation and income inequalities indicators, spatial point pattern analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis.

Teaching & Assessment 

The teaching of the course includes theory and laboratory exercises in open-source and/or commercial statistical analysis software and Geographic Information Systems.

During the semester, students are required to submit 3 exercises, which will be evaluated as successful (S) or unsuccessful (U). The final grade for the course, is determined by 70% from the final exam, plus 1 degree per successful exercise.