***Apologies for any cross-posting***

Introductory R for Spatial Analysis

12^th June, 2014

Organising Institution: University of Leeds (As part of TALISMAN , an ESRC funded project and NCRM node aimed at enhancing research methods across the UK)

Times: 10.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.

Event Description: R is a powerful programming language originally designed for statistical analysis and visualisation. In recent years there has been rapid progress in R's spatial capabilities, however, allowing it to perform as an integrated tool for processing, modelling and mapping spatial datasets. This course will provide a solid introduction to these capabilities that will act as a foundation for further work. Based on the NCRM working paper "Introduction to visualising spatial data in R" ( http://eprints.ncrm.ac.uk/3295/ ) the course will introduce R's way of 'seeing' spatial data in the 'sp' package. Frequent visualisation is key to R's philosophy and this will be demonstrated by heavy use of plots throughout, both in terms of R's base graphics and the 'ggplot2' package which makes creating beautiful plots a joy, once you have understood its underlying grammar.

Although the course is introductory, it will touch upon more advanced topics such as facet maps - useful for displaying time-series data - and heatmaps. It will also introduce the popular spatial packages including 'rgeos' and 'rgdal'. The course aims to demystify R and demonstrate how it can be an enjoyable tool to use. Used correctly, R will make a useful addition to the 'tool cabinet' of almost anyone dealing with spatial datasets.

No previous experience with R is needed although participants may get more out of the course if they have previously installed R/RStudio and played with its basic functions, e.g. via an "Introduction to R" type tutorial such as this: http://cran.r-project.org/doc/contrib/Torfs+Brauer-Short-R-Intro.pdf

Name of instructor: Dr Robin Lovelace

Cost: £30 for UK registered postgraduate students; £60 for academics/staff at Institutes of Higher Education, public sector staff and staff at registered charity organisations. £220 for all others. Fee includes lunch and refreshments.

Event address:  G19, East Building, School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT

For more information and to register please visit: http://store.leeds.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?compid=1&modid=2&deptid=9&catid=47&prodid=430

Or contact: Amy O'Neill at [log in to unmask] or on 0113 343 3535