Spatial Statistics and Geostatistics

Spatial statistics and geostatistics are methods used to analyze spatial data, focusing on how values change across different locations. In spatial epidemiology, these techniques help researchers understand the relationship between geographic areas and the spread of diseases. By examining patterns, clusters, and correlations, they can identify hotspots of illness, assess environmental impacts on health, and inform public health interventions. Essentially, spatial statistics provides tools to visualize and interpret health-related data in the context of geography, enhancing our understanding of disease distribution and potential risk factors in specific areas.