Spatial Dependency

Is the spatial distribution of the properties of a phenomenon in a study area random or is there a spatial structure (organisation)? This general question is the same one as that formulated for the continuous spatial distributions (see Unit 2 of Lesson 3 in the basic Module B-AN). Within the framework of a phenomenon continuously distributed in space, one can see that a dependence exists and that it is strong, thus ensuring the "spatial continuity" of properties. On the other hand a discontinuous spatial distribution contains precise discontinuities making it possible to delimit spatial features (point, linear or areal). It is observed that the property is the same one over the whole of the feature surface and that it is different beyond the reaches of this object. In spite of many observed discontinuities, it is however legitimate to raise the question of the presence of a spatial structure.