Integrated analysis of spatial data from multiple sources: an overview

Integrated analysis of spatial data from multiple sources is a field that has become increasingly important in the development of geomatics, particularly its remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems components. More and more spatial data acquired from different sources are being input into a common data base. Computer-based methods that can analyze the exponentially increasing volume of data have lagged far behind. In this editorial, the concept of integrated analysis of spatial data from multiple sources is defined in the context of spatial data analysis. Its distinctions from data fusion and data integration are discussed. Its relationships with classification, generalization, and analysis of errors and uncertainties are described. An overview of some studies in environmental assessment, natural resources studies, and natural hazard mapping that employed integrated analysis of multi-source spatial data is made. Finally, a personal perspective for future research in the field of integrated analysis of multi-source spatial data is given.