Spatial analysis is a broad term that can mean many different things, depending on the kind of study to be undertaken, the tools to be used, and the methods of performing the analysis, and is even subject to the dynamics of the individuals involved in the analysis. In this section, we will look broadly at the kinds of analysis that are possible, so that you have some context as to what is possible with the ArcGIS platform. Spatial analysis can be divided into these five broad categories:
Point patterns
Surface analysis
Areal data
Interactivity
Networks
Point pattern analysis is the evaluation of the pattern or distribution of points in space. With ArcGIS, you can analyze point data using average nearest neighbor, central feature, mean center, and so on. For surface analysis, you can create surface models, and then analyze them using tools such as LOS, slope surfaces, viewsheds, and contours. With areal data (polygons), you can perform hotspot analysis, spatial autocorrelation...