Toward the development of an exploratory spatial data analysis application for reporting sensitivity to the modifiable areal unit problem: a conceptualization
Date
1996
Authors
Setton, Eleanor M.
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Abstract
The modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) has been the concern of geographers for many decades. As of this date, there is no generally applicable solution to MAUP. It has been suggested that in the absence of such a solution, the effect of MAUP on any particular analysis be reported explicitly. This research conceptualizes an exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) application for reporting MAUP sensitivity. The characteristics of MAUP and ESDA are identified through literature review, and these characteristics are used to formulate a conceptual framework for developing the ESDA application. The conceptual framework is extended by proposing measures for sensitivity and through the demonstration of the concepts using two existing software applications, Arc/Info and S+.
This research finds that there are three distinct levels for reporting MAUP sensitivity, each with distinct concepts of sensitivity and distinct measures. Reports can be generated for private or public use. It appears that the public report could prove to be lengthy and place an undue burden on analysts. It is suggested that interested parties should have access to the same ESDA application used to generate the report. Some limitations were imposed on this research by the software applications used for demonstration purposes. The applications do not share a common data model, data base, or user interface; therefore, dynamic linking between views in either application is not possible. Given that this configuration of software appears to be the only commercially available means of using both Arc/Info and a statistical program in tandem, it is concluded that the widespread use of ESDA and hence any application for reporting MAUP sensitivity based on the use of such software is not expected in the immediate future.