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Spatial Contact Problems in Geotechnics
by Sergey AleynikovThis book presents a systematic approach to numerical solution for a wide range of spatial contact problems of geotechnics. On the basis of the boundary element method new techniques and effective computing algorithms are considered. Special attention is given to the formulation and analysis of the spatial contact models for elastic bases. Besides the classical schemes of contact deformation, new contact models are discussed for spatially nonhomogeneous and nonlinearly elastic media properly describing soil properties.
Spatial Data Science: With Applications in R (Chapman & Hall/CRC The R Series)
by Roger Bivand Edzer PebesmaSpatial Data Science introduces fundamental aspects of spatial data that every data scientist should know before they start working with spatial data. These aspects include how geometries are represented, coordinate reference systems (projections, datums), the fact that the Earth is round and its consequences for analysis, and how attributes of geometries can relate to geometries. In the second part of the book, these concepts are illustrated with data science examples using the R language. In the third part, statistical modelling approaches are demonstrated using real world data examples. After reading this book, the reader will be well equipped to avoid a number of major spatial data analysis errors. The book gives a detailed explanation of the core spatial software packages for R: sf for simple feature access, and stars for raster and vector data cubes – array data with spatial and temporal dimensions. It also shows how geometrical operations change when going from a flat space to the surface of a sphere, which is what sf and stars use when coordinates are not projected (degrees longitude/latitude). Separate chapters detail a variety of plotting approaches for spatial maps using R, and different ways of handling very large vector or raster (imagery) datasets, locally, in databases, or in the cloud. The data used and all code examples are freely available online from https://r-spatial.org/book/. The solutions to the exercises can be found here: https://edzer.github.io/sdsr_exercises/.
Spatial Database for GPS Wildlife Tracking Data
by Ferdinando Urbano Francesca CagnacciThis book guides animal ecologists, biologists and wildlife and data managers through a step-by-step procedure to build their own advanced software platforms to manage and process wildlife tracking data. This unique, problem-solving-oriented guide focuses on how to extract the most from GPS animal tracking data, while preventing error propagation and optimizing analysis performance. Based on the open source PostgreSQL/PostGIS spatial database, the software platform will allow researchers and managers to integrate and harmonize GPS tracking data together with animal characteristics, environmental data sets, including remote sensing image time series, and other bio-logged data, such as acceleration data. Moreover, the book shows how the powerful R statistical environment can be integrated into the software platform, either connecting the database with R, or embedding the same tools in the database through the PostgreSQL extension Pl/R. The client/server architecture allows users to remotely connect a number of software applications that can be used as a database front end, including GIS software and WebGIS. Each chapter offers a real-world data management and processing problem that is discussed in its biological context; solutions are proposed and exemplified through ad hoc SQL code, progressively exploring the potential of spatial database functions applied to the respective wildlife tracking case. Finally, wildlife tracking management issues are discussed in the increasingly widespread framework of collaborative science and data sharing. GPS animal telemetry data from a real study, freely available online, are used to demonstrate the proposed examples. This book is also suitable for undergraduate and graduate students, if accompanied by the basics of databases
Spatial Diversity in the Global City: Transnational Tokyo (Global Diversities)
by Sakura YamamuraThis book, at the nexus of migration and urban studies, sheds new light on a long-neglected group of transmigrants and the global city of Tokyo. Using extensive empirical material on transnational migrants from above and below, it locates and better specifies spatial diversification in Tokyo and beyond. By incorporating transnational spaces into urban diversity discourses, it extends the superdiversity debate to a socio-spatial dimension and examines the configuration and processes of diversity and diversification in global cities from a socio-spatial perspective. Unique in its theoretical focus on the spatial aspect of superdiversity, the book delivers rare empirical insights into the daily socio-spatial practices of transnational financial professionals and other transmigrants. This social geographical study reveals the complex interplay between global mobility and urban transformation. It will be of particular interest to urban and migration scholars in fields such as urban sociology, social geography, and urban anthropology, offering deep engagement with debates on urban diversity and transnational spaces.
Spatial Dynamics and Ecology of Large Ungulate Populations in Tropical Forests of India
by K. Ullas Karanth N. Samba Kumar Jagdish Krishnaswamy James D. Nichols Srinivas Vaidyanathan Beth GardnerLarge ungulates in tropical forests are among the most threatened taxa of mammals. Excessive hunting, degradation of and encroachments on their natural habitats by humans have contributed to drastic reductions in wild ungulate populations in recent decades. As such, reliable assessments of ungulate-habitat relationships and the spatial dynamics of their populations are urgently needed to provide a scientific basis for conservation efforts. However, such rigorous assessments are methodologically complex and logistically difficult, and consequently many commonly used ungulate population survey methods do not address key problems. As a result of such deficiencies, key parameters related to population distribution, abundance, habitat ecology and management of tropical forest ungulates remain poorly understood. This book addresses this critical knowledge gap by examining how population abundance patterns in five threatened species of large ungulates vary across space in the tropical forests of the Nagarahole-Bandipur reserves in southwestern India. It also explains the development and application of an innovative methodology – spatially explicit line transect sampling – based on an advanced hierarchical modelling under the Bayesian inferential framework, which overcomes common methodological deficiencies in current ungulate surveys. The methods and results presented provide valuable reference material for researchers and professionals involved in studying and managing wild ungulate populations around the globe.
Spatial Dynamics and Pattern Formation in Biological Populations
by Ranjit Kumar Upadhyay Satteluri R. IyengarThe book provides an introduction to deterministic (and some stochastic) modeling of spatiotemporal phenomena in ecology, epidemiology, and neural systems. A survey of the classical models in the fields with up to date applications is given. The book begins with detailed description of how spatial dynamics/diffusive processes influence the dynamics of biological populations. These processes play a key role in understanding the outbreak and spread of pandemics which help us in designing the control strategies from the public health perspective. A brief discussion on the functional mechanism of the brain (single neuron models and network level) with classical models of neuronal dynamics in space and time is given. Relevant phenomena and existing modeling approaches in ecology, epidemiology and neuroscience are introduced, which provide examples of pattern formation in these models. The analysis of patterns enables us to study the dynamics of macroscopic and microscopic behaviour of underlying systems and travelling wave type patterns observed in dispersive systems. Moving on to virus dynamics, authors present a detailed analysis of different types models of infectious diseases including two models for influenza, five models for Ebola virus and seven models for Zika virus with diffusion and time delay. A Chapter is devoted for the study of Brain Dynamics (Neural systems in space and time). Significant advances made in modeling the reaction-diffusion systems are presented and spatiotemporal patterning in the systems is reviewed. Development of appropriate mathematical models and detailed analysis (such as linear stability, weakly nonlinear analysis, bifurcation analysis, control theory, numerical simulation) are presented. Key Features Covers the fundamental concepts and mathematical skills required to analyse reaction-diffusion models for biological populations. Concepts are introduced in such a way that readers with a basic knowledge of differential equations and numerical methods can understand the analysis. The results are also illustrated with figures. Focuses on mathematical modeling and numerical simulations using basic conceptual and classic models of population dynamics, Virus and Brain dynamics. Covers wide range of models using spatial and non-spatial approaches. Covers single, two and multispecies reaction-diffusion models from ecology and models from bio-chemistry. Models are analysed for stability of equilibrium points, Turing instability, Hopf bifurcation and pattern formations. Uses Mathematica for problem solving and MATLAB for pattern formations. Contains solved Examples and Problems in Exercises. The Book is suitable for advanced undergraduate, graduate and research students. For those who are working in the above areas, it provides information from most of the recent works. The text presents all the fundamental concepts and mathematical skills needed to build models and perform analyses.
Spatial Econometric Methods in Agricultural Economics Using R
by Paolo PostiglioneModern tools, such as GIS and remote sensing, are increasingly used in the monitoring of agricultural resources. The developments in GIS technology offer growing opportunities to agricultural economics analysts dealing with large and detailed spatial databases, allowing them to combine spatial information from different sources and to produce different models. The availability of these valuable sources of information makes the advanced models suggested in the spatial statistic and econometric literature applicable to agricultural economics. This book aims at supporting stakeholders to design spatial surveys for agricultural data and/or to analyse the geographically collected data. This book attempts to describe the main typology of agricultural data and the most appropriate methods for the analysis, together with a detailed description of the available data sources and their collection methods. Topics such as spatial interpolation, point patterns, spatial autocorrelation, survey data analysis, small area estimation, regional data modelling, and spatial econometrics techniques are covered jointly with issues arising from the integration of several data types. The theory of spatial methods is complemented by real and/or simulated examples implemented through the open-source software R.
Spatial Futures: Difference and the Post-Anthropocene
by Heidi J. Nast Alex G. Papadopoulos LaToya E. EavesSpatial Futures invites readers to imagine power and freedom through the lens of the ‘Black Outdoors’, a transdisciplinary spatial concept that operates beyond the planetary, stratigraphic confines of the ‘Anthropocene’. The chapters collectively point to the ontological-epistemological contradictions involved in forging liberatory spatial futures. Bringing new spatial imaginaries to bear in and outside geography, the book refuses the strictures of the ‘cenic’, entertaining difference as world-making.
Spatial Genome Organization: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology #2532)
by Tom SextonThis detailed volume explores a variety of cutting-edge techniques used to interrogate spatial genome organization. Beginning with a section covering the vital chromosome conformation capture (3C) technique, this collection continues with chapters on targeted Hi-C approaches, sequencing-based approaches to assess nuclear environment, as well as single-cell technologies to better characterize the heterogeneity and dynamics of nuclear architectures and approaches to visualize them by microscopy. Finally, in order to be able to ask functional questions about the role of spatial chromatin organization in genomic control, the last section provides methods for acute manipulations of chromatin architecture. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Spatial Genome Organization: Methods and Protocols is an ideal resource for researchers searching for the best techniques to address their own specific research questions.
Spatial Grasp as a Model for Space-based Control and Management Systems
by Peter Simon SapatyGovernmental agencies and private companies of different countries are actively moving into space around Earth with the aim to provide smart communication and industry, security, and defense solutions. This often involves massive launches of small, cheap satellites in low earth orbits, which is also contributing to the growth of space debris. The book offers a high-level holistic system philosophy, model, and technology that can effectively organize distributed space-based systems, starting with their planning, creation, and growth. The Spatial Grasp Technology described in the book, based on parallel navigation and pattern-matching of distributed environments with high-level recursive mobile code, can effectively provide any networking protocols and important system applications, by integrating and tasking available terrestrial and celestial equipment. This book contains practical examples of technology-based solutions for tracing hypersonic gliders, continuing observation of certain objects and infrastructures on Earth from space, space-based command and control of large distributed systems, as well as collective removal of increasing amounts of space junk. Earlier versions of this technology were prototyped and used in different countries, with the current version capable of being quickly implemented in traditional industrial or even university environments. This book is oriented toward system scientists, application programmers, industry managers, and university students interested in advanced MSc and PhD projects related to space conquest and distributed system management. Dr Peter Simon Sapaty, Chief Research Scientist, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, has worked with networked systems for five decades. Outside of Ukraine, he has worked in the former Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic and Slovakia), Germany, the UK, Canada, and Japan as a group leader, Alexander von Humboldt researcher, and invited and visiting professor. He launched and chaired the Special Interest Group (SIG) on Mobile Cooperative Technologies in Distributed Interactive Simulation project in the United States, and invented a distributed control technology that resulted in a European patent and books with Wiley, Springer, and Emerald. He has published more than 250 papers on distributed systems and has been included in the Marquis Who’s Who in the World and Cambridge Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century. Peter also works with several international scientific journals.
Spatial Health Inequalities: Adapting GIS Tools and Data Analysis
by Esra OzdenerolThe neighborhoods and the biophysical, political, and cultural environments all play a key role in affecting health outcomes of individuals. Unequal spatial distribution of resources such as clinics, hospitals, public transportation, fresh food markets, and schools could make some communities as a whole more vulnerable and less resilient to adverse health effects. This somber reality suggests that it is rather the question of "who you are depends upon where you are" and the fact that health inequality is both a people and a place concern. That is why health inequality needs to be investigated in a spatial setting to deepen our understanding of why and how some geographical areas experience poorer health than others. This book introduces how spatial context shapes health inequalities. Spatial Health Inequalities: Adapting GIS Tools and Data Analysis demonstrates the spatial health inequalities in six most important topics in environmental and public health, including food insecurity, birth health outcomes, infectious diseases, children’s lead poisoning, chronic diseases, and health care access. These are the topics that the author has done extensive research on and provides a detailed description of the topic from a global perspective. Each chapter identifies relevant data and data sources, discusses key literature on appropriate techniques, and then illustrates with real data with mapping and GIS techniques. This is a unique book for students, geographers, clinicians, health and research professionals and community members interested in applying GIS and spatial analysis to the study of health inequalities.
Spatial Impacts of Climate Change
by Denis MercierClimate change has been a central concern over recent years, with visible and highly publicized consequences such as melting Arctic ice and mountain glaciers, rising sea levels, and the submersion of low-lying coastal areas during mid-latitude and tropical cyclones. This book presents a review of the spatial impacts of contemporary climate change, with a focus on a systematic, multi-scalar approach. Beyond the facts – rises in temperature, changes in the spatial distribution of precipitation, melting of the marine and terrestrial cryosphere, changes in hydrological regimes at high and medium latitudes, etc. – it also analyzes the geopolitical consequences in the Arctic and Central Asia, changes to Mediterranean culture and to viticulture on a global scale, as well as impacts on the distribution of life, for example, in the Amazon rainforest, in large biomes on a global scale, and for birds.
Spatial Inequalities
by Allan G. Hill Justin Stoler John R. WeeksThis book provides a fresh analysis of the demography, health and well-being of a major African city. It brings a range of disciplinary approaches to bear on the pressing topics of urban poverty, urban health inequalities and urban growth. The approach is primarily spatial and includes the integration of environmental information from satellites and other geospatial sources with social science and health survey data. The authors Ghanaians and outsiders, have worked to understand the urban dynamics in this burgeoning West African metropolis, with an emphasis on urban disparities in health and living standards. Few cities in the global South have been examined from so many different perspectives. Our analysis employs a wide range of GIScience methods, including analysis of remotely sensed imagery and spatial statistical analysis, applied to a wide range of data, including census, survey and health clinic data, all of which are supplemented by field work, including systematic social observation, focus groups, and key informant interviews. This book aims to explain and highlight the mix of methods, and the important findings that have been emerging from this research, with the goal of providing guidance and inspiration for others doing similar work in cities of other developing nations.
Spatial Information Technology for Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals Series)
by Dilip Kumar R.B. Singh Ranjeet KaurThis textbook aims to develop a scientific knowledge base on spatial information technology to communicate the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among students, researchers, professionals and laymen. The book improves understanding of the spatial database and explains how to extract information from this for planning purposes. To enhance the knowledge of geoscientists and environmentalists, the book describes the basic fundamental concepts to advance techniques for spatial data management and analysis and discusses the methodology. The Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) are presented in an integrated manner for the planning of resources and infrastructure. The management of these systems is discussed in a very lucid way to develop the reader's skills. The proper procedure for map making and spatial analysis are included along with case studies to the reader. Where the first part of the book discusses the conceptual background, the second part deals with case studies using these applications in different disciplines. The presented case studies include land use, agriculture, flood, watershed characterization and infrastructure assessment for the Sustainable Development Goals.
Spatial Intelligence for a Greener Planet: AI Applications in Environmental Pollution Mapping, Analysis and Mitigation
by Pradeep K. Garg Kuldeep Chaurasia P. V. Arun Yingwei YanWith rapid advancements in AI, this book reveals how AI can be a powerful tool in reducing pollution and fostering sustainability. It highlights the integration of geospatial techniques with AI for enhancing capabilities in mapping, analysis, and mitigation of environmental pollution. Starting with foundational concepts in AI, geospatial technology, and pollution, the book addresses air, water, soil and thermal pollution, emphasizing their harmful impacts. Through real-world case studies and advanced research, it showcases AI and geospatial technology's revolutionary role in pollution mitigation, exploring AI-driven sensors, satellite imagery, and associated networks for precise and efficient pollution monitoring and management.
Spatial Modeling Principles in Earth Sciences
by Zekai SenSpatial Modeling Principles in Earth Sciences presents fundamentals of spatial data analysis used in hydrology, geology, meteorology, atmospheric science and related fields. It examines methods for the quantitative determination of the spatial distribution patterns. This book brings together the material from the current literature in earth sciences and practical examples. It provides a sound background of philosophical, logical, rational and physical principles of spatial data and analysis, and explains how it can be modeled and applied in earth sciences projects and designs. It collects information not previously available in one source, and provides methodology for the treatment of spatial data to find the most rational and practical solution. The book is a valuable resource for students, researchers and practitioners of a broad range of disciplines including geology, geography, hydrology, meteorology, environment, image processing, spatial modeling and related topics.
Spatial Modeling and Assessment of Environmental Contaminants: Risk Assessment and Remediation (Environmental Challenges and Solutions)
by Debashish Sengupta Pravat Kumar Shit Partha Pratim AdhikaryThis book demonstrates the measurement, monitoring and mapping of environmental contaminants in soil & sediment, surface & groundwater and atmosphere. This book explores state-of-art techniques based on methodological and modeling in modern geospatial techniques specifically focusing on the recent trends in data mining techniques and robust modeling. It also presents modifications of and improvements to existing control technologies for remediation of environmental contaminants. In addition, it includes three separate sections on contaminants, risk assessment and remediation of different existing and emerging pollutants. It covers major topics such as: Radioactive Wastes, Solid and Hazardous Wastes, Heavy Metal Contaminants, Arsenic Contaminants, Microplastic Pollution, Microbiology of Soil and Sediments, Soil Salinity and Sodicity, Aquatic Ecotoxicity Assessment, Fluoride Contamination, Hydrochemistry, Geochemistry, Indoor Pollution and Human Health aspects. The content of this book will be of interest to researchers, professionals, and policymakers whose work involves environmental contaminants and related solutions.
Spatial Modeling in Forest Resources Management: Rural Livelihood and Sustainable Development (Environmental Science and Engineering)
by Hamid Reza Pourghasemi Gouri Sankar Bhunia Pravat Kumar Shit Pulakesh DasThis book demonstrates the measurement, monitoring, mapping, and modeling of forest resources. It explores state-of-the-art techniques based on open-source software & R statistical programming and modeling specifically, with a focus on the recent trends in data mining/machine learning techniques and robust modeling in forest resources.Discusses major topics such as forest health assessment, estimating forest biomass & carbon stock, land use forest cover (LUFC), dynamic vegetation modeling (DVM) approaches, forest-based rural livelihood, habitat suitability analysis, biodiversity and ecology, and biodiversity, the book presents novel advances and applications of RS-GIS and R in a precise and clear manner. By offering insights into various concepts and their importance for real-world applications, it equips researchers, professionals, and policy-makers with the knowledge and skills to tackle a wide range of issues related to geographic data, including those with scientific, societal, and environmental implications.
Spatial Neglect: A Clinical Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (Brain, Behaviour and Cognition)
by Ian Robertson Peter W HalliganSpatial neglect is a profound clinical problem as well as intriguing scientific problem. In the last ten years, there has been an explosion of interest in this disorder, which as a result is no longer viewed as a single entity, but rather as a number of different disorders. This book is an attempt to bring the reader up to date with the latest advances in understanding neglect, at least insofar as this contributes to better clinical assessment, management and treatment. This is not a book for the specialist researcher in the neuropsychology of neglect and attention. Rather, it is a book aimed at clinicians - student and trained - from all disciplines involved in the assessment, management and treatment of neglect.The book begins with the description of four cases manifesting different types of unilateral neglect. The reader is introduced to different aspects of neglect through these patients. These distinctions include those between personal and extrapersonal neglect, motor versus sensory neglect and many others. The reader is also introduced to other phenomena that are closely related to neglect, including ansognosia and impaired sustained attention. The latest methodes of assessment of neglect are also described, as are methods of treatment, again with reference to the four introductory specimen cases.
Spatial Observation of Giant Panda Habitat: Techniques and Methods
by Xinyuan Wang Jing Zhen Qingkai MengThis book evaluates the past, present, and future habitat suitability of giant pandas based on spatial observation technology involving optical remote sensing, microwave remote sensing, and LiDAR to discover the mysterious ecological environment of giant panda habitat. Considering the problems faced by the world natural heritage site protection, it takes the world natural heritage site “Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries – Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains” as the research area, exemplifies systematically the various techniques and methodologies of spatial information technology for monitoring, evaluation, and prediction of rare and endangered species habitats, and provides scientific suggestions for sustainable development of giant panda habitat based on a series of comprehensive case analysis at Wolong national nature reserve and Ya'an prefecture, Sichuan province, China. The book serves both as a textbook in the field of natural heritage protection, remote sensing, and GIS application, as well as a reference for managing natural heritage sites.
Spatial Optical-Fiber Coupling Technology in Optical-Wireless Communication (Optical Wireless Communication Theory and Technology)
by Xizheng KeThis book analyzes the development of space light-fiber coupling research, highlights its importance, examines the underlying theory and key problems, and elaborates on methods to improve the space light-fiber coupling efficiency. Starting from the basic theory of electromagnetic field, the transmission characteristics of light in optical fibers are expounded, and the coupling characteristics of optical signals of different modes are investigated. The spatial light-fiber coupling techniques such as mode conversion method, lens coupling method, and wavefront distortion correction method are discussed in detail, and the key technologies involved are verified by experiments. This book is suitable for the vast majority of engineering and technical personnel and teachers in colleges and institutions who are engaged in wireless optical communication. It can also be used to train senior undergraduates and graduate students in relevant fields.
Spatial Optimization in Ecological Applications (Complexity in Ecological Systems)
by Michael Bevers John HofWhether discussing habitat placement for the northern spotted owl or black-tailed prairie dog or strategies for controlling exotic pests, this book explains how capturing ecological relationships across a landscape with pragmatic optimization models can be applied to real world problems. Using linear programming, Hof and Bevers show how it is possible for the researcher to include many thousands of choice variables and many thousands of constraints and still be quite confident of being able to solve the problem in hand with widely available software. The authors' emphasis is to preserve optimality and explore how much ecosystem function can be captured, stressing the solvability of large problems such as those in real world case studies.
Spatial Patterns and Mechanisms for Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes in the Northern Hemisphere (Springer Theses)
by Zhi ChenThis book systematically illustrates the underlying mechanisms of spatial variation in ecosystem carbon fluxes. It presents the regulation of climate pattern, together with its impacts on ecosystem traits, which yields new insights into the terrestrial carbon cycle and offers a theoretic basis for large-scale carbon pattern assessment. By means of integrated analysis, the clear spatial pattern of carbon fluxes (including gross primary production, ecosystem respiration and net ecosystem production) along latitudes is clarified, from regions to the entire Northern Hemisphere. Temperature and precipitation patterns play a vital role in carbon spatial pattern formation, which strongly supports the application of the climate-driven theory to the Northern Hemisphere. With regard to the spatial pattern, the book demonstrates the covariation between production and respiration, offering new information to promote current respiration model development. Moreover, it reveals the high carbon uptake of subtropical forests across the East Asian monsoon region, which challenges the view that only mid- to high-latitude terrestrial ecosystems are principal carbon sink regions, and improves our understanding of carbon budgets and distribution.
Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development
by Ming Zhang Jen-Te Pai Mitsuhiko Kawakami Xiao-Lu Gao Zhen-Jiang ShenThis book attempts to provide insights into the achievement of a sustainable urban form, through spatial planning and implementation; here, we focus on planning experiences at the levels of local cities and some metropolitan areas in Asian countries. This book investigates the impact of planning policy on spatial planning implementation, from multidisciplinary viewpoints encompassing land-use patterns, housing development, transportation, green design, and agricultural and ecological systems in the urbanization process. We seek to learn from researchers in an integrated multidisciplinary platform that reflects a variety of perspectives, such as economic development, social equality, and ecological protection, with a view to achieving a sustainable urban form.
Spatial Planning in Ghana: Origins, Contemporary Reforms And Practices, And New Perspectives (The Urban Book Series)
by Ransford A. AcheampongThis book documents and analyses spatial planning in Ghana, providing a comprehensive and critical discussion of the evolving institutional and legal arrangements that have shaped and defined Ghana’s spatial planning system for more than seven decades; the contemporary policy instruments and mechanisms for articulating and implementing policies and proposals at multiple scales; and the formally established procedures for development management. It covers important themes in contemporary spatial planning discourse, including the evolving meaning, scope and purpose of spatial planning globally; the scales of spatial planning (i.e. national, regional, sub-regional and local); multi-level integration within spatial planning; public participation; the interface between urbanization, sustainable growth management and spatial planning; spatial planning and housing development; integrated spatial development and transportation planning; and spatial planning and the urban informal economy. Intended for undergraduate and graduate students, and academic researchers and practitioners/policy-makers in the multidisciplinary field of spatial planning, it appeals to readers seeking an international perspective on spatial planning systems and practices.