Statistical Analysis for Geographers

Course Description

The course Statistical Analysis for Geographers introduces students to the fundamental principles, methods, and tools of quantitative analysis, with particular emphasis on their application to geographical research. Its main objective is to develop students’ statistical reasoning and their ability to collect, organize, describe, analyze, and interpret spatial, demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental data.

The course begins with the basic concepts of statistical data and descriptive data presentation. It then examines measures of central tendency and dispersion, highlighting their role in describing and comparing geographical variables, such as population characteristics, climatic conditions, and socioeconomic indicators. Students are subsequently introduced to the fundamental principles of probability theory and to the main characteristics and applications of the binomial, Poisson, and normal distributions. The course concludes with correlation analysis, providing students with the statistical tools needed to investigate and interpret relationships between geographical variables. Throughout the course, statistical concepts and methods are systematically linked to geographical applications, enabling students to transform raw data into meaningful information and draw evidence-based conclusions about spatial phenomena.