Applying Spatial Analysis to Solve a Geographic Problem
What this standard assesses
This internal standard asks you to apply spatial analysis, with consultation, to solve a geographic problem. You use spatial data and decision criteria to recommend a site or route.
Core rules and concepts
- Define the problem and the decision criteria with stakeholders. Criteria might be distance from users, flood risk, road access, cost, and cultural values.
- Select data layers: population, roads, land use, hazards, and protected areas.
- Use spatial analysis: overlay, buffer, distance, and site scoring. GIS is useful but sketch maps can work.
- Consult: record whose knowledge shaped the criteria and data.
- Evaluate alternatives against the criteria and justify the recommendation.
Worked example
Problem: find a site for a community recycling centre. Consultation with the council and residents set criteria: within 3 km of most households, outside flood zones, on a sealed road, and not on reserve land. Layers are overlaid: population density, flood extent, road network, and land use. Three candidate sites are scored. Site A is central but in a flood zone; Site B has good access but is 5 km from most users; Site C meets distance and flood criteria but needs road sealing. Scoring favours Site C with a condition. The reasoning is transparent: criteria → layers → scores → recommendation.
Traps
- Choosing a site without stated criteria.
- Ignoring consultation.
- Using data layers that do not match the criteria.
- No evaluation of alternatives.
Show your spatial method and justify trade-offs.