klusterit

Klusterit, in general terms, are groups of items that are more alike to each other than to items in other groups. The concept is used across disciplines to describe patterns, organize information, and study the structure of complex systems.

In data analysis, cluster analysis (klusterianalyysi) is an unsupervised method that assigns objects to groups based on similarity. Common approaches include k-means, hierarchical clustering, and density-based methods. Applications include market segmentation, image analysis, and genomics.

In biology and ecology, clusters describe naturally occurring aggregations such as cellular or organismal groupings, microbial colonies, or habitats that share space or resources.

In astronomy, star clusters are groups of stars bound by gravity. Open clusters are loosely bound and relatively young, while globular clusters are compact and old, often orbiting a galaxy.

In economics and regional planning, industrial and business clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, suppliers, research institutions, and support services. Clusters can raise productivity, spur innovation, and attract investment, but may also reinforce regional disparities.

See also cluster analysis and clustering.