ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of some important developments in spatial analysis and spatial modelling and their applications to socio-economic problems. Efficiency can be obtained if one realises that most spatial analysis techniques and models can be broken down into a small set of constituent components. The chapter argues that the integration of some more advanced modelling tools may require substantial changes in typical database structures. Hence, an attempt to improve the modelling capabilities of geographical information systems may in some cases imply that one has to reconsider the database architecture of the system as well. The chapter discusses some of the developments in spatial data analysis and spatial modelling and their application to socioeconomic planning. It presents some of the implications for developing geographical information systems. The chapter discusses some avenues for future research endeavours.
