Spatial analysis and visualization of exploration geochemical data

This paper briefly reviews the application of geoinformatics in exploration geochemistry from the perspective of spatial analysis and visualization, and demonstrates the advantages of geoinformatics in exploring geochemical patterns and identifying geochemical anomalies. In particular, the application of geoinformatics to geochemical mapping, recognition of geochemical anomalies and simulation of geochemical patterns are discussed. The benefits of geoinformatics include: (1) overlay of geochemical data on a geological map, which helps geochemists to understand spatial geochemical patterns and visualize geochemical anomalies; (2) local neighbourhood spatial analysis, which considers the local spatial structure of geochemical patterns, as a powerful tool to identify weak geochemical anomalies; and (3) geochemical patterns simulation based on geological constrains, which helps to understand geological processes. Future researches should focus on development and application of various functions for processing geochemical data in a GIS to promote the progress of geoinformatics in both geochemical exploration and environmental studies.