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A scoping review on the multiplicity of scale in spatial analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Taylor M. Oshan

    (University of Maryland)

  • Levi J. Wolf

    (University of Bristol)

  • Mehak Sachdeva

    (Arizona State University)

  • Sarah Bardin

    (Arizona State University)

  • A. Stewart Fotheringham

    (Arizona State University)

Abstract

Scale is a central concept in the geographical sciences and is an intrinsic property of many spatial systems. It also serves as an essential thread in the fabric of many other physical and social sciences, which has contributed to the use of different terminology for similar manifestations of what we refer to as ‘scale’, leading to a surprising amount of diversity around this fundamental concept and its various ‘multiscale’ extensions. To address this, we review common abstractions about spatial scale and how they are employed in quantitative research. We also explore areas where the conceptualizations of multiple spatial scales can be differentiated. This is achieved by first bridging terminology and concepts, and then conducting a scoping review of the topic. A typology for spatial scale is discussed that can be used to categorize its multifarious meanings and measures. This typology is then used to distinguish what we term ‘process scale,’ from other types of spatial scale and to highlight current trends in uncovering aspects of process scale. We end with suggestions on how to further build knowledge regarding spatial processes through the lens of spatial scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Taylor M. Oshan & Levi J. Wolf & Mehak Sachdeva & Sarah Bardin & A. Stewart Fotheringham, 2022. "A scoping review on the multiplicity of scale in spatial analysis," Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer, vol. 24(3), pages 293-324, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jgeosy:v:24:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10109-022-00384-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10109-022-00384-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Scale; Multiscale; Processes; Spatial analysis; Quantitative geography;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C00 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - General
    • C10 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - General
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • Y20 - Miscellaneous Categories - - Introductions and Prefaces - - - Introductions and Prefaces
    • Y50 - Miscellaneous Categories - - Further Reading - - - Further Reading
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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