Overview
Instructions:
This assignment introduces you to spatial data analysis using Social Explorer. You
will create maps to examine patterns of racial and economic segregation in a city
over time. You will focus on the description of your city, which will help you with your
analysis in Assignment 2.
1) Choose a City or a Neighborhood in a Large City
Select one city or town that you will use for both assignments. You may choose:
A place where you currently live
A place where you grew up
A place you want to learn more about
Choose a location with enough population and historical data to show change over
time.
2) Learn Social Explorer
Open the Canvas module materials “How Access Social Explorer” and “Learn Social
Explorer” to learn how to:
Search for your city
Select census data by year
Change variables such as race and income
Export maps
3) Create Maps
You are required to create three comparative maps. Include the following time
periods:
2000
2020
Include three variables:
Race/ethnicity
Income
The third variable is yours to choose. You can choose between “Environment,”
“Marital Status,” “Immigration/Citizenship,” “Family Structure,” OR
"Unemployment."
Please only select one additional variable from the list above.
You must include both:
Maps of your city
Maps of the surrounding region
Each map should be clearly labeled with the year and variable. If you cannot get the
legend on your screenshot, please include it as a separate screenshot. Make sure your
data is presented and interpreted correctly (i.e., dot vs. bubble vs. shaded area map).
If you are unsure, please consult the Learn Social Explorer document or feel free to
reach out to the TA.
4) Written Explanation (400-600 words)
Before writing your explanation, double-check that all maps are pasted correctly and
everything, including the map legend, is visible.
Then write a short explanation of your maps that describes:
What each map shows
Any visible patterns of segregation
Differences across time periods
5) Submission
Paste your maps into a single document. Make sure the legend and all of the data are
visible (if not, feel free to include additional screenshots). Include your written
explanation of the maps at the end of the document.