Statistics are important tools for validating theory, making predictions and engaging in policy research. They help to provide informed commentary about social and environmental issues, and to make the case for change. Knowledge of statistics is therefore a necessary skill for any student of geography or environmental science. This textbook is aimed at students on a degree course taking a module in statistics for the first time. It focuses on analysing, exploring and making sense of data in areas of core interest to physical and human geographers, and to environmental scientists. It covers the subject in a broadly conventional way from descriptive statistics, through inferential statistics to relational statistics but does so with an emphasis on applied data analysis throughout.

Providing a solid foundation for twenty-first-century scientists and engineers, Data Analysis and Statistics for Geography, Environmental Science, and Engineering guides readers in learning quantitative methodology, including how to implement data analysis methods using open-source software. Given the importance of interdisciplinary work in sustainability, the book brings together principles of statistics and probability, multivariate analysis, and spatial analysis methods applicable across a variety of science and engineering disciplines. Learn How to Use a Variety of Data Analysis and Statistics Methods Based on the author’s many years of teaching graduate and undergraduate students, this textbook emphasizes hands-on learning. Organized into two parts, it allows greater flexibility using the material in various countries and types of curricula. The first part covers probability, random variables and inferential statistics, applications of regression, time series analysis, and analysis of spatial point patterns. The second part uses matrix algebra to address multidimensional problems. After a review of matrices, it delves into multiple regression, dependent random processes and autoregressive time series, spatial analysis using geostatistics and spatial regression, discriminant analysis, and a variety of multivariate analyses based on eigenvector methods. Build from Fundamental Concepts to Effective Problem Solving Each chapter starts with conceptual and theoretical material to give a firm foundation in how the methods work. Examples and exercises illustrate the applications and demonstrate how to go from concepts to problem solving. Hands-on computer sessions allow students to grasp the practical implications and learn by doing. Throughout, the computer examples and exercises use seeg and RcmdrPlugin.seeg, open-source R packages developed by the author, which help students acquire the skills to implement and conduct analysis and to analyze the results. This self-contained book offers a unified presentation of data analysis methods for more effective problem solving. With clear, easy-to-follow explanations, the book helps students to develop a solid understanding of basic statistical analysis and prepares them for learning the more advanced and specialized methods they will need in their work.

Statistics are important tools for validating theory, making predictions and engaging in policy research. They help to provide informed commentary about social and environmental issues, and to make the case for change. Knowledge of statistics is therefore a necessary skill for any student of geography or environmental science. This textbook is aimed at students on a degree course taking a module in statistics for the first time. It focuses on analysing, exploring and making sense of data in areas of core interest to physical and human geographers, and to environmental scientists. It covers the subject in a broadly conventional way from descriptive statistics, through inferential statistics to relational statistics but does so with an emphasis on applied data analysis throughout.

Environmental statistics is a rapidly growing field, supported by advances in digital computing power, automated data collection systems, and interactive, linkable Internet software. Concerns over public and ecological health and the continuing need to support environmental policy-making and regulation have driven a concurrent explosion in environmental data analysis. This textbook is designed to address the need for trained professionals in this area. The book is based on a course which the authors have taught for many years, and prepares students for careers in environmental analysis centered on statistics and allied quantitative methods of data evaluation. The text extends beyond the introductory level, allowing students and environmental science practitioners to develop the expertise to design and perform sophisticated environmental data analyses. In particular, it: Provides a coherent introduction to intermediate and advanced methods for modeling and analyzing environmental data. Takes a data-oriented approach to describing the various methods. Illustrates the methods with real-world examples Features extensive exercises, enabling use as a course text. Includes examples of SAS computer code for implementation of the statistical methods. Connects to a Web site featuring solutions to exercises, extra computer code, and additional material. Serves as an overview of methods for analyzing environmental data, enabling use as a reference text for environmental science professionals. Graduate students of statistics studying environmental data analysis will find this invaluable as will practicing data analysts and environmental scientists including specialists in atmospheric science, biology and biomedicine, chemistry, ecology, environmental health, geography, and geology.

Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists provides an introductory guide to the principles and application of statistical analysis in context. This book helps students to gain the level of competence in statistical procedures necessary for independent investigations, field-work and other projects. The aim is to explain statistical techniques using data relating to relevant geographical, geospatial, earth and environmental science examples, employing graphics as well as mathematical notation for maximum clarity. Advice is given on asking the appropriate preliminary research questions to ensure that the correct data is collected for the chosen statistical analysis method. The book offers a practical guide to making the transition from understanding principles of spatial and non-spatial statistical techniques to planning a series analyses and generating results using statistical and spreadsheet computer software. Learning outcomes included in each chapter International focus Explains the underlying mathematical basis of spatial and non-spatial statistics Provides an geographical, geospatial, earth and environmental science context for the use of statistical methods Written in an accessible, user-friendly style Datasets available on accompanying website at www.wiley.com/go/Walford