Users are given two methods to derive point density, either by square area or kernel smoothing. which indicates the probability of an event recurring in an area.

Users can determine relationships between data sets and view the results in tables. This can help users select representative data sets for quicker analysis. Three different options are offered:

• Correlation matrix will display the statistical relationship between input grids
• Grouper function will group statistically similar grids
• Principle component analysis provides analysis of the variance between all grids

Users can specify the calculation to be executed on a set of points within a specified radius. The user may select from the following types of calculations:

• Sum of Values
• Minimum Value
• Maximum Value
• Average Value
• Count of Data Points

Unspoiled View
Problem: A municipal government must proceed with construction of a new landfill operation on the edge of the city. The planning committee must reassure property owners that, once operating, the site will not impact visually on their neighborhoods.

Solution: Using current topographical data, Vertical Mapper is used to create a 3D model of the land surface. An aerial photograph of the subdivision, including the proposed landfill area, plus major roads, is draped on top of the 3D surface. Viewing the model at different angles and perspectives depicts how the site will visually affect the land.

Result: The majority of the residents conceded that the proposed landfill site, situated on the far side of a high knoll, would not be visible from their homes. In addition, the municipality has mapped a new access route to the site that will avoid any residential areas.
 

 
The Pick of the Crop

Problem: Reducing waste and increasing efficiency is the goal of every farming operation. But when a farmer plans to spray for pest control or design a drainage system, much money and time can be lost if problem areas cannot be isolated.

Solution: Using data collected during the previous harvest, Vertical Mapper can help farmers determine the variation in crop yields from one field to another. By precisely mapping variations in yield, Vertical Mapper can help to indicate which acreage requires improvement whether through additional spraying, more fertilizer or better drainage.

Result: In addition to saving time and money by concentrating his effort on the areas that needed it most, the farmer was able to better profile all areas of his farm and work towards achieving a higher, more uniform yield.

 
Digging for Answers

Problem: A gold exploration company is evaluating a new tract of land that has recently become available for staking. Soil geochemistry could be a valid exploration method for this terrain if they are able to grid and compare the geochemical results.
Solution: Data from soil samples throughout the area was processed with Vertical Mapper. The resulting soil chemistry maps are used to delineate potential areas of interest. Combining this with other information, the company has developed an effective exploration model for the area.
Result: The company is able to focus their search and further define targets for future testing. By using Vertical Mapper to gain a clearer understanding of the geochemical environment, they have been able to save a great deal of time and money by narrowing their search areas.

Where Do We Put the Warehouse?

Problem: A soft drink distributor with over 1000 vending machines spread across a large metropolitan area needed to cut costs for service and re-supply. The answer lay in locating a new distribution hub that was central to their most frequently serviced sites.
Solution: The first step involved mapping the location of all the vending installations and calculating a factor for each site that represented frequency of visits. Using the Location Profiler in Vertical Mapper, two discrete areas of the city were delineated on the basis of being geographically central to the most frequently visited sites.
Result: The company split their service and distribution network to create two new warehouse centers, each of which provided an optimum location for accessing machines based both on rate of servicing and proximity in their respective regions.
 

What's in Store for the Future?

Problem: A chain of specialty food stores has five suburban locations in one city and each has enjoyed record sales since opening. The company is trying to determine the profitability of a new downtown location and how it will affect existing stores.
Solution: Using data collected by phone surveys and customer response forms, Vertical Mapper is used to create a gravity model that calculates, not only the relative influence of each store location on the surrounding populace, but how the addition of a new store will affect the existing locations and even project the potential sales volume of the new store.
Result: It appears that a new downtown store will draw too much business away from three of the existing stores. The chain decides not to risk their current success but, instead, takes other steps to strengthen their relationship with downtown customers.