Find the center of cluster points in ArcGIS Online

Summary

In ArcGIS Online, cluster point datasets are summarized into a single point feature using the Summarize Center and Dispersion tool. This tool summarizes the center of cluster points using these methods: central features, mean center, median center, and ellipse. For example, the central feature summary method is used to determine the best location for a public school based on the weight of student population in an area; the median center summary method is used to determine the median center of crimes by evaluating daytime versus nighttime incidents, and the ellipse summary method is used to identify the potential spread of airborne diseases in a city.

The image below shows the distribution of fire hotspots located at northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri. This article describes how to find the center of fire hotspots to determine the best location to set up an emergency response station using the mean center summary method.

Procedure

1. In ArcGIS Online Map Viewer, click Analysis .
2. Click Summarize Data > Summarize Center and Dispersion.

Note:
Running this tool consumes one credit per 1000 features. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Understand credits for more information.

3. Fill in the Summarize Center and Dispersion pane as follows:
   1. Select the cluster layer to be summarized from the Choose a layer to be described field. For this example, it is Describe_distribution_of_Fire_Cluster_Distribution.
   2. Select the method of summarizing the center of the cluster points from the Summary types field. For this example, the Mean center summary method is selected.

Note:
More than one summary method can be selected to summarize the center of the cluster points at once. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Summarize Center and Dispersion for more information.

3. Name the output layer, and specify the save location in the Save result in drop-down menu under the Result layer name field.

Note:
To ascertain the number of credits consumed, click the Show credits option at the bottom of the Summarize Center and Dispersion pane. 

4. Click RUN ANALYSIS.

The image below shows the mean center of the fire hotspots distribution point clusters. Based on this analysis, Clay, Arkansas is the best place to locate the emergency response station.