Spatial Data Formats

SpaceStat accepts point, line, and polygon data sets in shapefile or gdb file format.

Point data consist of X, Y, and values of variable(s). SpaceStat automatically generates a spatial weight set when you import a point dataset. The default weights set is "5 nearest neighbors," although you can add others to suit your analysis needs. You can create a point geography from a polygon geography by generating a centroid geography.

Polygon data consists of vertices and associated data. Polygon files typically come from a GIS, and are imported into SpaceStat as a shapefile or a gdb file. Correct representation of polygons in SpaceStat requires the file to contain valid polygons.  Valid polygons are non-overlapping, do not include self-intersections, and border each other.    

When you import a polygon file, there is an option for SpaceStat to verify the polygons are valid. SpaceStat will verify that the vertices are listed in the correct order within the file, so the polygons will import correctly.  

SpaceStat automatically generates a spatial weight set when you import a polygon dataset. The default spatial weight set is "first-order queen neighbors," although you can add others to suit your analysis needs.

Line data consists of vertices and associated data. Lines cannot be used for spatial statistics, but they can be used to help you visualize your data.