A spatial randomness test based on the box-counting dimension

Abstract

Statistical modelling of a spatial point pattern often begins by testing the hypothesis of spatial randomness. Classical tests are based on quadrat counts and distance-based methods. Alternatively, we propose a new statistical test of spatial randomness based on the fractal dimension, calculated through the box-counting method providing an inferential perspective contrary to the more often descriptive use of this method. We also develop a graphical test based on the log–log plot to calculate the box-counting dimension. We evaluate the performance of our methodology by conducting a simulation study and analysing a COVID-19 dataset. The results reinforce the good performance of the method that arises as an alternative to the more classical distances-based strategies.