SPIDER—an interactive statistical tool for the analysis of spatially distributed data

TLDR

Interactive statistical graphics are reviewed in the contexts of spatial data and GIS, where GIS provide an active geographical view that serves as an entry point to the database. The authors present SPIDER, a prototype that demonstrates how statistical graphics can serve as active, alternative views for querying spatial data. The system allows these views to be cross‑referenced through linking, enabling interactive exploration. The authors argue that such a system offers a rich environment for exploratory statistical analysis of spatial data.

Abstract

Interactive statistical graphics are reviewed in the contexts of spatial data and geographical information systems (GIS). GIS provide the user with an active geographical view of the data—a map that can be used as an entry point to the data base. Prototype software—SPIDER—illustrates the possibilities of using statistical graphics as further views of the data, which can be made active and thus provide alternative means of querying the data. These views can be cross-referenced by 'linking'. It is argued that such a system can provide a very rich environment for pursuing exploratory statistical analysis of spatial data.