Clustering of characteristics

Activities

• Activity 1: Clarifying and itemising the problem or task

Necessary tools

• Possibly special computer programs based on mathematical procedures are needed

Description

With the help of cluster analysis, similar objects can be grouped together and focal points in multidimensional fields can be identified. This is particularly helpful when there is a complex system with many parameters and the relationships between the system parameters are not clear.

Procedure

1. Collect features
2. Relate features to each other in matrix form
3. Find consistent clusters in the matrix (using calculator tools)
4. Extract and analyze clusters
5. Combine similar features of a cluster into a new feature

Sources

• Lindemann 2009, p. 255