Techniques for Analysing the Relationship Between Population Density and Geographical Features of Interest

This paper presents a study that aimed to explore a range of techniques for analysing the spatial relationship between population density and geographical features of interest. Three categories of spatial analysis techniques were explored: traditional methods including descriptive statistics and spatial distribution maps, spatial autocorrelation statistics namely Moran’s global I and Anselin’s local I and regression analysis incorporating ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and error residual testing using the global Moran’s I autocorrelation statistic. The correlation between the spatial distribution of Australian cinema screens and a global gridded population density dataset were used as the case study for the analysis. All three categories of spatial analysis techniques were found to be useful, each with its’ own strengths and weaknesses. The analysis was able to visually and statistically identify the spatial distribution of cinema screens and population density, as well as establish the degree to which the two features were correlated. The study concluded that a methodology which utilises the above spatial analysis techniques in conjunction with a global gridded population dataset, provides a sound framework for investigating the correlation between population distribution and a geographical feature of interest. Authors Amanda Johnson holds a Master of Applied Science (GIS) from RMIT University and a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University. Amanda’s research interests include the application of spatial information systems and spatial statistics in the field of Public Health. She is currently working at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and has 11 years of experience in the ICT consulting industry as a manager for Accenture. Colin Arrowsmith is Associate Professor in the School of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences at RMIT University. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from RMIT as well as two masters’ degrees and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne, and a Graduate Diploma of Education from Hawthorn Institute of Education. Colin has authored more than 40 refereed publications and 6 book chapters in the fields of GIS, tourism analysis and in film studies. Colin’s research interests include the application of spatial information systems, including geographic information systems (GIS), to investigating the impact of tourism on naturebased tourist destinations, tourist behaviour, as well as investigating the issue of managing micro-historical data within GIS utilising cinema data.