ClusterSeer can analyze individual- and group-level data. Different methods are appropriate to different data and analysis types.
Individual-Level—The unit of observation and analysis is the individual study subject. Currently, ClusterSeer offers methods for surveillance, spatial and spatio-temporal cluster analysis of individual-level data. Data can consist of the locations or time references for individuals with (cases) or at risk for (controls) the health outcome under investigation.
Group-Level—The unit of analysis is a group of study subjects aggregated within geographic regions and/or temporal intervals. Spatial and spatio-temporal cluster detection can be conducted on group-level data.
The location of spatially aggregated data may have to be simplified for analysis. In practice, these areas can be represented with a single point location, such as the geographic center (centroid) for group-level data.
ClusterSeer also offers one surveillance method that tests for clustering in group-level data though it requires individual level data. It is called Rogerson's Spatial Pattern Surveillance method. The data often consist of disease frequency estimates or case and population-at-risk counts for each group.