The wait is over. BioMedware just dropped the highly anticipated Vesta 2.5 update! The brilliant minds behind this geospatial analysis tool have been busy at work, crafting a release packed with new features, fixes, and improvements designed to make your data visualization experience smoother, more powerful, and dare we say… fun? If you’re already a fan of Vesta’s intuitive, visually striking maps and sophisticated analytics, you’ll be thrilled to explore the new upgrades that are set to make your workflow even more dynamic.
Let’s dive right in and look at what’s new, what’s improved, and what’s been fixed in this game-changing release!

Nifty Vesta 2.5 landing page gets you up and running in a jiffy.
What’s New in Vesta 2.5?
- Compositional Joinpoint Regression Analysis (Beta): For all the geospatial analysts out there, Vesta now supports compositional joinpoint analysis to model time series of related variables! Right now, it’s limited to centered logratio transformation (we’re looking at you, data wizards), but this beta feature opens the door to all sorts of new ways to explore your datasets. Whether you’re studying environmental data or spatiotemporal variations in health outcomes, this tool will give you some seriously cool insights.
- Time Plots: Time is of the essence and Vesta’s new time plots feature ensures that the temporal dynamics of your data are never left behind. You can now see your data evolve over time in a series of beautiful, easy-to-interpret plots. Perfect for tracking changes in geographical variables, time-dependent trends, and beyond.
- Categorical Variables in Variography and Kriging: Categorical variables can now be used in the calculation of variograms and interpolation. You can perform more advanced geostatistical analyses, incorporating categorical data through indicator isometric log-ratio transformations. It’s a game-changer for those working with different types of data distributions.
- Customizable Point Size in Maps: If you’ve ever wished you could adjust the size of those little dots on your maps, now’s your chance! Vesta 2.5 lets you change the size of points in your maps, so you can better highlight the most important features in your data. Whether you need to zoom in on hot spots or downplay the noise, this new feature gives you more control than ever.
- Modeling of Uncertainty using Indicator Kriging: Being able to accurately calculate uncertainty associated with model estimates is absolutely necessary in order to make informed decisions with spatial data. Vesta 2.5 includes the latest, best-in-class methods for modeling uncertainty. Funded by grants from NIH, these methods are not available anywhere else, and are simply “the Best”.
Already used a 30-day trial period for an earlier version of Vesta? We’ve reset the trial counter! Download Vesta and give it a spin.
What’s Changed?
- Automatic Workspace Selection: If you’re working with just one workspace, Vesta will now automatically select it for you. This subtle yet handy tweak means fewer clicks and less time spent managing your projects—because who doesn’t want to get straight to the fun part?
- Sleek New Interface Layout: The base interface layout has been adjusted for an even more intuitive experience. Everything is cleaner, more organized, and a joy to interact with. It’s like the team behind Vesta gave the entire software a makeover—think of it as a UX glow-up!
- Complete Overhaul of Data Structures: Under the hood, Vesta’s underlying variable data structures have received a major overhaul. This change dramatically improves performance in many areas of the software. Faster load times, smoother transitions, and snappier rendering—what’s not to love? Note: this overhaul does come with one caveat—ALL previously saved projects will no longer work with the new update. So, remember to back up your files!

Cooler, faster, and better than ever. Dive in and understand your data right away; geographic patterns and time trends are at your fingertips.
Bug Fixes To Streamline The User Experience
The Vesta team hasn’t forgotten about those pesky bugs that can throw a wrench into your day. Here’s a rundown of some of the key fixes that came with 2.5:
- Map Legends for Categorical Data: No more confusing legends! The issues with map legends when using categorical data have been fixed, so now your visualizations are clearer and more informative.
- ROC Curve Calculations in Geostatistical Interpolation: If you’ve been dealing with issues in ROC curve calculations during geostatistical interpolation, breathe easy—Vesta’s got that sorted out. The fix ensures that your spatial modeling results are as accurate as possible.
- Heatmaps with Time-Varying Data: Time to say goodbye to heatmap headaches. The issue with time-varying data in heatmaps has been addressed, making it easier than ever to visualize dynamic trends over time.
- Multivariate Plots and Temporal Supports: If you’ve ever run into multivariate plot errors when working with variables with different temporal supports, this update has you covered. Your plots will now display correctly, no matter how complex your time data is.
- Excel Spreadsheet Handling: Handling missing values in Excel spreadsheets just got a whole lot easier. Vesta 2.5 improves the display and processing of missing data, so you won’t get caught off guard by gaps in your datasets.
- Better Support for Categorical Variables in Map Settings: Another win for categorical data lovers! Vesta 2.5 includes better handling and settings support for categorical variables when configuring maps. This means smoother workflows and more flexibility in presenting your results.
Why Vesta 2.5 Will Be Your New Favorite Tool For Geospatial Analysis
Vesta 2.5 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a transformation. With new features like compositional joinpoint analysis and time plots, combined with a completely revamped data structure that boosts performance, this version has everything you love about Vesta, but is now faster, smarter, and easier to use. Plus, the interface changes make the whole experience feel like you’re working with a cutting-edge tool that’s designed to keep pace with your research.
Whether you’re a seasoned geospatial analyst or a newcomer to the world of geostatistics, Vesta 2.5 offers new levels of flexibility, control, and precision that will elevate your work to new heights. If you’re not already using Vesta, now’s the perfect time to dive in and see what all the buzz is about!
So, what are you waiting for? Download Vesta 2.5 today and start exploring the future of geospatial analysis! Check it out here. And yes, there’s a no obligation 30-day free trial period.