Analyzing and Visualizing Worldwide Spatial Data: An Application of Risk Terrain Modeling

By Leslie W Kennedy

With the impact of globalization and changes in the forces and relations of production, risks are no longer posed in isolation from each other. The intrinsic character of global threats and their low frequency of occurrence pose certain challenges in the operationalization of risk events. In a similar vein, the basic differences between the global risks themselves require analysts to approach each threat using a strategy that combines common methodology with analysis that is unique to each condition. The main intent of this book is to return to the principle that we can understand global crises not just on the basis of knowing what occurred prior to the incident that we are interested in, but also that we can understand the social, economic, political, and physical contexts in which crises occur. We consider the temporal as well as spatial factors that precede, interact with, and follow the incident's occurrence. This book equips the reader with the skills for responding to conceptual and methodological differences, challenges, and novelties of the data analysis process, and demonstrates effective ways to apply mapping techniques and risk terrain modeling methods to transnational data. We use the outbreaks of governmental internal armed conflict to demonstrate an application of risk terrain modeling (RTM) for spatial risk assessment at both the national and sub-national levels on a global extent. RTM can give actionable meaning to the relationships that exist between place-based indicators and damaging outcomes. Planners can use RTM methods to develop strategic models to forecast where problems are likely to emerge and to engage in steps that might reduce risks in the future and, potentially, avert crises altogether.In the first part of this book, we review the risk terrain modeling approach to spatial risk assessment and present a short overview of the theoretical underpinnings of globalization theory. In the second part we detail the technical steps of RTM for analysts to follow using ArcGIS software. In the third and final part, we present ideas about how RTM can be used for strategic and tactical decision-making.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1479245410
• ISBN13: 9781479245413
• Release Date: September 2012
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.2" x 8.0"