Analysis in Action:  Introduction to GIS Spatial Analysis Techniques, 15 October 2025

 

Latest in our popular series that provides operational best practice for crime and intelligence analysts in law enforcement and wider public and private sector.

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Workshop introduces GIS Spatial Analysis, a powerful technique that enables analysts to visualise crime patterns, analyse spatial relationships, predict potential areas of concern and aid decision making.

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GIS integrates location data with other relevant information, providing a powerful platform for mapping, analysis, and strategic planning.

 

The workshop is aimed at crime and intelligence analysts who want to learn new skills as well as those more experience analysts who want to develop and enhance existing skills.

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It will focus around four key themes:

• The fundamentals of GIS

• Cartography

• Spatial statistics

• Software

 

It will be led by Dr Nick Bearman who is a leading authority in GIS and spatial data. He delivers GIS Spatial Analysis training to the public and private sector. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and a Chartered Geographer.

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We are delighted to welcome Nick to the workshop and share his invaluable experience with analysts.

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• Held online via Teams

• Certificates of CPD available

 

Outline of the day

Session One: The fundamentals of GIS

• An insight into GIS and how it can be used in a crime setting.

 

• We will discuss different data types (vector/raster, point/line/polygon) where data comes from (internal / external / local knowledge).

 

• We will also discuss some common data sets, some common geographies, use of postcodes for geocoding (precision) and examples of crime related applications.

 

Session Two: Cartography

• This will cover how we go about sharing spatial data and making it easy for others to use.

 

• Nick will discuss some general concepts, show some examples and talk about static and interactive maps.

 

• We will also discuss the processes on how we create maps, and the key issues and considerations to think about when creating maps.

 

Session Three: Spatial Statistics and Software

• This will cover some spatial statistics (spatial autocorrelation, clustering, location quotient) and how they can be used with crime data.

 

• We will also talk a bit about different types of GIS software and some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

 

• This will include some of the advantages/disadvantages of scripting analysis (R / Python) vs using a graphical interface (ArcGIS Pro / QGIS) and other tools (PowerBI / Tableau).

 

HOW TO BOOK

Cost: £199.99 + VAT (GBP) per delegate (LEA and Government Agency rate).  £249.99 + VAT (Industry rate). 

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Group bookings: We offer various discounts for group bookings depending on numbers, please contact us for details.

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Booking: Please send the delegates name(s), email address(es) and purchase order (made out to The Investigator) to booking@the-investigator.co.uk or telephone +44(0)844 660 8707 for further information. 

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Payment can be made by PayPal/debit/credit card. ​The meeting link will be sent out 7 days before the event.