Following our attribute and vector data analysis discussion, raster data analysis presents geographers’ final powerful data mining tool. Raster data are suited to specific analyses, such as basic geoprocessing, surface analysis, and terrain mapping. While not always true, raster data can simplify many spatial analyses that would otherwise be overly cumbersome to perform on vector datasets. Some of the most common techniques are presented in this chapter.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the single and multiple raster geoprocessing techniques
• Describe how local, neighborhood, zonal, and global analysis can be applied to raster datasets.
• Describe the concepts and terms related to GIS surfaces, how to create them, and how they are used to answer specific spatial and temporal questions.
• Explain how to apply fundamental raster surface analyses to terrain mapping applications.

Chapter Sections

• 8.1 Introduction
• 8.2 Raster Data Models
• 8.3 Geoprocessing with Raster Imagery
• 8.4 Scale of Raster Analysis
• 8.5 Spatial Interpolation for Spatial Analysis
• 8.6 Terrain Mapping for Spatial Analysis
• 8.7 Chapter Summary
• 8.8 Chapter Review
• 8.9 Creative Commons and References