Steven K. GIS

*Screenshot of the Worst Compactness District Offender*       In this lab, we explored how scale affects spatial analysis by comparing regression results across different vector units: block groups, ZIP codes, counties, and House districts. Each unit produced different slope and R-squared values, showing that the relationship between race and poverty changes depending on the level of aggregation. This is a clear example of the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP), where the choice of spatial unit can influence statistical (or personal) outcomes and interpretations. Smaller units like block groups captured more local variation, while larger units like counties tended to smooth out differences.      For raster data, resolution plays a similar role to vector data. Higher-resolution rasters provide more detailed information but can also introduce "noise" or complexity. Lower-resolution rasters simplify the data but may miss important local patterns. In bot...