Proximity computations are specific neighbourhood functions. They evaluate the characteristics of an area surrounding a feature’s location. A neighbourhood function “scans” the neighbourhood of the given feature(s), and performs a computation on it (them).
Examples of proximity computations are: (1) Buffer zone generation (or buffering) is one of the best-known neighbourhood functions. It determines a spatial envelope (buffer) around a given feature or features. The buffer created may have a fixed width or a variable width that depends on characteristics of the area. (2) Thiessen Polygon generation.
Distance decay functions describe the effect of the reduced influence when the distance between two locations increases.