Software and software design issues in the exploration of local dependence

Alternative software implementations for use in the exploration of local dependence are discussed in relation to six design criteria. Since exploratory spatial data analysis is largely based on the study of local dependence, and because software tools now make it feasible to examine multiple views of spatial data sets, it becomes important for researchers to compare the outcomes of analyses using varying implementations. Having established and discussed chosen design criteria, some implementations are compared. Special weight is given to the extensibility of the implementation, to permit the user more control over the analysis. It is concluded that such analyses should proceed with discretion, and that often prior or contextual knowledge is necessary for an adequate interpretation of results.