Spatial and Advanced Analytics Tools
Spatial Basics
Spatial data carries a geometry plus a spatial object field. Trade Area builds polygons around points by radius or drive time. Spatial Match finds relationships (points within polygons, intersections). Spatial Info returns area, length, and centroid. Traps: spatial tools require a SpatialObj field, and mixing coordinate systems (spatial reference) breaks matches.
Predictive and Statistical Tools
Linear Regression fits a model and outputs a model object plus a report. Score applies a model to new data. Forest Model and other predictive tools follow the same create-then-score pattern. Traps ask which output anchor holds the model versus the report - the model object (O anchor) is what Score consumes.
Clustering and Segmentation
K-Centroids and similar tools group records by similarity; the number of clusters is a configuration choice, not a data-driven default.
Time Series and Running Calculations
Multi-Row Formula and Running Total build cumulative metrics; the TS tools forecast. Know that advanced tools often output multiple anchors (model, report, summary) and that only the model feeds scoring.
Worked example: To count customers inside a trade area: Trade Area on store points, then Spatial Match against customer points, then Summarize Count by store. Rule of thumb: spatial tools need a spatial field; predictive tools need a model object passed to Score.