Introduction to

ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst

& Fragstats
Represent the Data
Explore the Data
Fit the Model
Perform Diagnostics
Compare Models
Classify the Output
Assess Pattern
ArcGIS
Using applied geostatistical
methods to produce a continuous
predictive surface from a discrete
collection of sampled points

Using GIS to reclassify the
predictive surface into functional
classes or bins

Using landscape ecology metrics
to assess and quantify the
composition and configuration of
the classification
Fragstats
Representing the Data
Converting data to GIS format
The first step requires that the data be converted into a
format that can be used by the GIS software
How are the data
distributed?
Are there global
trends in the data?
Exploring the Data
Are there outliers?
The interpolation
techniques used by the
software work best with
normally distributed
data.
The semivariogram models the spatial dependence or autocorrelation between
measured points. The semivariogram cloud shows the squared difference
between all pairs of points as a function of separation distance (h).
Modeling the semivariogram is the key step between spatial description and
spatial prediction.

Choosing the best model or continuous function to fit the empirical
semivariogram helps ensure that the predicted values are as accurate as possible.
THE SEMIVARIOGRAM
Anisotropy
Things are more alike for
longer distances in some
directions than in other
directions
Directional Trends
When fitting a model to
the semivariogram it is
important to consider
Set search neighborhood Assess the diagnostic stats
Model the semivariogram Account for global trends
Choose the method
The ArcGIS Geostatistical Wizard uses a series of steps to calculate a best fit
model & create a predictive surface
Fit the Model Perform Diagnostics
1
2 3
4 5
&
Which model is best?
Compare Models
Reclassify predictive surface raster into categories or functional groups
Classify the Output
Assess Pattern
Using metrics of landscape ecology, assess pattern of classified
data using Fragstats
Input = classified input grid Output = spreadsheet of selected metrics