A Spatial Logit Association Model for Cluster Detection

In this paper, I propose to set out a logit spatial association model for binary spatial events and develop a scan algorithm to search for spatial associations. I extend the traditional logit model with a spatial autocorrelated component so that the model includes not only known risk factors, but also spatially autocorrelated regions as control or explanatory factors. The case study of West Virginia lung cancer shows that the model effectively captures cool and hot spots in lung cancer mortality.