[GIS] Testing correlation between two polygon features

arcgis-10.1arcgis-desktopcorrelationpolygonspatial statistics

I am working on a project looking at county boundaries for the state of California. I have 2 polygon datasets with this same geographic boundary, and these datasets, when mapped individually, visually appear to have a spatial correlation. Polygons are mapped according to numerical attribute values, which range widely on both datasets.

Wondering what the best method might be to test for a correlation between these datasets?

Best Answer

  1. Intersect 2 layers
  2. Add field [Times] and calculate it using 2ndNumeric*ShapeArea
  3. Summarise field [Times] and [ShapeArea] using first layer UniquPolygonId
  4. Divide [Sum_Times] by [Sum_Area], this will give you weighted second layer numeric
  5. Transfer result to 1st polygon table and check the correlation between 2 columns, i.e. 1st numeric and weighted one
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