Negative Spatial Autocorrelation: One of the Most Neglected Concepts in Spatial Statistics

Abstract

Negative spatial autocorrelation is one of the most neglected concepts in quantitative geography, regional science, and spatial statistics/econometrics in general. This paper focuses on and contributes to the literature in terms of the following three reasons why this neglect exists: Existing spatial autocorrelation quantification, the popular form of georeferenced variables studied, and the presence of both hidden negative spatial autocorrelation, and mixtures of positive and negative spatial autocorrelation in georeferenced variables. This paper also presents details and insights by furnishing concrete empirical examples of negative spatial autocorrelation. These examples include: Multi-locational chain store market areas, the shrinking city of Detroit, Dallas-Fort Worth journey-to-work flows, and county crime data. This paper concludes by enumerating a number of future research topics that would help increase the literature profile of negative spatial autocorrelation.