Red-blue plots for detecting clusters in count data.

Abstract

A new index and four new graphical displays, termed 'red-blue' plots, are presented to study and measure clustering in spatially referenced count data. The index can detect clusters in the form of patches, comprising several nearby large counts, and in the form of gaps, comprising several nearby small counts. The new methods quantify the degree to which the count for each sample unit contributes towards the overall degree of clustering, either as part of a patch or as a gap; provide tests of non-randomness to detect clustering; and facilitate a comprehensive definition of the size and dimension of a cluster. The methods are illustrated using aphid field data.