[R-sig-Geo] Newbie question on shape files and mapping

[GRIGNOLA, FERNANDO E [AG/6042]]

Hello,
I'm working on a project using weather data mostly on the statistical
aspects of it, i.e. environmental classification. I have a bunch of
shape files (*.dbf, *.prj, *.sbn, *.sbx, *.shp, *.shx) from different
world regions and I would like to start using R to do the mapping of
different clusters. So far I've been using "black box" proprietary
software for mapping purposes and, being a big fan of R, I would like to
start using R instead.
Could you please provide me some BASIC information (beginners notes,
libraries, etc.) on shape files, how to read them and query them to
color regions clustering together based on a set variables of interest?
I hope this group can help me out or point me into the right direction.
Thanks in advance,

Fernando



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