Spatial autocorrelation equation based on Moran's index

Abstract

Based on standardized vector and globally normalized weight matrix, Moran's index of spatial autocorrelation analysis has been expressed as a formula of quadratic form. Further, based on this formula, an inner product equation and outer product equation of the standardized vector can be constructed for Moran's index. However, the theoretical foundations and application direction of these equations are not yet clear. This paper is devoted to exploring the inner and outer product equations of Moran's index. The methods include mathematical derivation and empirical analysis. The results are as follows. First, based on the inner product equation, two spatial autocorrelation models can be constructed. One bears constant terms, and the other bear no constant term. The spatial autocorrelation models can be employed to calculate Moran's index by regression analysis. Second, the inner and outer product equations can be used to improve Moran's scatterplot. The normalized Moran's scatterplot can show more geospatial information than the conventional Moran's scatterplot. A conclusion can be reached that the spatial autocorrelation models are useful spatial analysis tools, complementing the uses of spatial autocorrelation coefficient and spatial autoregressive models. These models are helpful for understanding the boundary values of Moran's index and spatial autoregressive modeling process.