Question

What is spatial autocorrelation, and why is it important in crime mapping, and spatial-behavioral studies?

Answer 1

Spatial autocorrelation is mapping of criminal behavior in specific regions with versions of crime situations from criminals in society. It is a form of multivariate analysis. There is formation of definate spatial pattern after recognizing dependent and independent variables in the statistical recognition of regions of crime. It analyzes the factors responsible for crime and behavior of criminals in various situations. The analysis correlates the variable with the location of the varaible in a region for analyzing the crime situation. There is study of adaptive behavior with frequency analysis. Modeling softwares predict the frequency of crime. It also uses software like Crimestat which can be used for analyzing criminal regions. There are quartic kernel density methods for mapping the regions of crime. Spatio-temporal mapping uses aoristic methods of analysis with calculation of start times and end times of analysis. The chances of repeat occurence of crime events is analyzed in detail. Therefore it is important tool in mapping. Spatio-behavioral studies are done to observe specific activities in animals or humans and monitor them to understand them in detail. These include monitoring of cognition in humans. migration in animals and cognitive behavior of criminals after committing crime. Human mobility and environmental effects are studied under spatio-behavioral studies. These theories analyze behavior and motivation in a person under different set of conditions and stimulus with observation of results.