Abstract: A forecasting engine and method assists in rapidly and accurately forecasting occurrences of identifiable events and/or results based on signature and/or pattern matching. The present invention derives signature for event-types based on a comparison of actual event data with pre-established representational surfaces. The surfaces represent functional measurements and analysis associated with elements of the geospatial boundary being considered. The present invention provides highly refined modeling processes to assist in quickly focusing on the proper measurement type and/or variable type, and detailing analysis around the most relevant factors. In this way, the present invention allows for more rapid and more accurate assessment determinations. In one aspect, the present invention provides a decision support system for assisting in the determination of potentially successful commercial locations.

Abstract: A forecasting engine and method assists in forecasting occurrences of identifiable events and/or threats based on signature and/or pattern matching. The present invention derives signature for event-types based on a comparison of actual event data with pre-established representational surfaces. The surfaces represent proximity measurements and analysis associated with elements of the geospatial boundary being considered. The measurements and analysis can consider a vast array of potential variables of interest in order to provide a comprehensive, robust forecasting engine. In one embodiment, the present invention considers past data associated with several event-types in order to arrive at an assessment.