Asymptotic properties of estimators of covariance parameters in spatial statistics are commonly considered under the frameworks of increasing domain and fixed domain asymptotics, respectively. Although inconsistency is a general conclusion under the framework of fixed domain asymptotics, it is generally believed that consistency should generally hold under the framework of increasing domain asy...

Recently, analytical approaches based on the eigenfunctions of spatial configuration matrices have been proposed in order to consider explicitly spatial predictors. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of eigenfunctions in spatial modeling applied to ecological problems and shows equivalencies of and differences between the two current implementations of this methodology. The two appro...

In the previous chapters we have seen how a wide variety of types of geographic data can be created and stored. Methods of digitizing and scanning allow geographic data to be created from paper maps and photographs. Powerful computing hardware makes it possible to store large amounts of data in forms that are readily amenable to manipulation and analysis using the routines stored in powerful so...

This is a time of unprecedented opportunity for spatial analysis. More people than ever have access to the Global Positioning System for direct measurement of location on the Earth’s surface; to the products of high-resolution remote-sensing satellites; and to the manipulative power of geographic information systems (GIS). Some of these technologies are encountered in everyday life, through sit...

The ornamental and medicinal saffron with high economic value encompasses a great share of non-oil exports in Iran. As a result, identification of suitable areas for saffron cultivation in Ardabil province located in northwestern part of Iran necessitate effective planning for expanding cultivation and production of this product. Given the effect of various environmental factors on growth and y...

In this study, a land use/land cover change analysis method was developed to examine patterns of land use/land cover conversions of cropland to urban uses and conversions of rangeland to cropland uses in the United States (US) Midwest region. We used the US 2001 and 2006 National Land Cover Datasets (NLCD) for our spatial analyses of these conversion trends. Our analysis showed that the eastern...