Kriging - A method of geostatistical estimation at unsampled locations, in contrast to arbitrary mathematical functions used for interpolation.
Layers (overlays) - Refer to either data or to maps where one set of attributes is compared with another to examine strength of associations.
Map projection - A mechanism for systematic rendering of geographic coordinates of features on the earth’s surface onto a flat medium.
Microdata- Data on individuals, as opposed to ‘traditional’ census data which relate to the aggregate populations of areas.
MLM - Multi-level modelling: a method from studying variation within data where that data are known to be organized within a particular hierarchical or clustered structure.
Model - A simplification of reality used for conceptual, analytical or statistic purposes. Models of systems and system operation are used to obtain closure, and hence predict future outcomes in otherwise intractable situations.
Multiple regression - A statistical technique to analyse the possible relationships between several predictor variables and one possible response variable.
Multispectral images - Images with relatively high information content (i.e. using many wavebands) which can be represented in numerous colour combinations.
Multivariate analysis -Analysis designed to examine multiple influences on a given data set or pattern.
Natural kinds - An ancient concept relating to the ‘real’ essence of things, allowing causal mechanisms, powers, or processes to be identified, as well as natural categories (e.g. species, landforms) that are independent of the context of enquiry.
Nominal data - A measurement level indicating the presence or absence of information.
Non-stationarity - The presence in a series of observations of trend or cyclicity which makes the identification of representative conditions (e.g. mean/variance) time-dependent.
NUD.IST - Stands for Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorizing. It is a rather sophisticated yet user-friendly computer package for qualitative data analysis. Its tools include functions for coding texts, exploring documents and ideas about them and developing theories.
