Data analysis procedures employed in exploration geochemistry are briefly reviewed. Elementary statistical methods such as histograms or cumulative frequency curves are used to code the data into two characteristic functions related to the Beginning of Anomalous Grade (BAG), and to the Significant Anomalous Grade (SAG). Methods for accurately estimating the BAG and the SAG under varying conditions, the limitations of the methods, and interpretation of the data are presented. External data are used to identify the relevant sources of dispersion. Multivariate factor proximity analysis (FPA) is discussed in the framework of spatial analysis. Theoretical results are compared to those obtained using factor kriging analysis (FKA). The method is applied to several different geochemical mineral surveys and to exploration for an oil-bearing formation.