Density and local attribute estimation of an infectious disease using MapInfo

Recent developments in local statistics have generally concentrated on area-based data. In this paper, we describe the development and implementation of a set of point-based local statistical methods within the MapInfo GIS. These include the well-documented techniques of density estimation, and a number of extensions that we call "local attribute estimation". The extensions use traditional summary measures to describe the distribution of continuous attributes, and draw on techniques of facies triangle mapping and the Weaver-Thomas combination index to describe categorical attributes. The methods are demonstrated using a point pattern of cases of an infectious disease in London, UK, but are equally applicable to other problems in geoscience. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.