Introduction to the R geospatial data analysis ecosystem

R is an open source software ecosystem designed for statistical computing and graphics. It can be executed on various operating systems, including Unix platforms, Windows, and macOS. The ability of R to analyze and visualize data makes it a favorable option for spatial data analysis. In specific spatial analysis projects, R alone may be satisfactory. However, in many instances, R is utilized in combination with GIS.

Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN)2 is a central repository that collects R packages, documentation, and resources. It provides a platform for R users to access and download various packages that extend the functionality of the R language. The CRAN repository hosts thousands of R packages developed and contributed by the R community. These packages cover various domains, including data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, visualization, spatial analysis, and more. Dedicated developers maintain...