Description:  We've begun to approach the mapping of data through a careful analysis of Baton Rouge. Through this layering of information we learned that large amounts of data can be complex, sometimes bordering on overwhelming. In this next exercise we'll take data mapping a step further and look at how specific, small attributes of a place can tell a larger story.

Tasks:  Begin by identifying an area in which certain boundaries, or layers, of the city overlap with one another in a way that surprises or intrigues you. This place can be as large as a neighborhood, or as small as a city block. 

This weekend you'll be tasked with investigating this place further by gathering field recordings of the site. The catch for these field recordings? No photographs. Instead, bring your sketchbook and record different aspects you notice about the place. Look for (1) highly visible attributes  (2)  'hidden' attributes that blend into the surroundings. As you're recording, consider how these characteristics tell a larger story about the place.

After visiting your site this weekend, we'll meet next week to discuss your recordings. Your final challenge will be to create a hand-drawn infographic of both a hidden and visible attribute of the place.

Resources:  Take a look at this page for some cool examples of information mapping

Purpose:  Investigate different layers of Baton Rouge to understand how these visible (and invisible) boundaries influence the city.

Description:  To help us understand the complex networks that make up Baton Rouge, detailed information about the city has been divided into categories labeled below. Each student will select one of these categories to research in-depth. After thoroughly exploring your selected GIS portal, use trace paper to physically draw and map out these layers of the city. We will overlap these trace maps onto one another to look at correlations between different layers of data. When finished, upload scans of your individual map layers as .jpeg images and post under the 'Response' tab.

GIS Resources:  

Environmental - Storm Water Management, Mosquito Levels, Landscape Maintenance 

Geological - Elevation, Drainage and Flood Zones

Transportation - Traffic Flow, Street Lighting, Bike Routes

Public Health and Safety - Police and Fire Incidents, Vehicle Accidents, Health Facilities

Business and Financial - Economic Development, Tax Info

Culture and Recreation  -  Public Parks, Golf Courses, Accessibility

Housing and Development - Property Values, Land Development

Government  -  Census Data, City Services, Schools, Election Results

Story Maps - Historical Information

I created and saved my Map to ArcGIS. Its title is the same as the title of this post. It layers the education level of adults 25 and older with average income levels for each census region. I also added a layer that shows the average amount spent on schooling per census region, and it's striking to see the drastic difference in spending between regions with higher median incomes and higher education levels versus those of lower levels. 

Chains: This wearable piece is about gender inequality and rape culture in America. Through different shape and color charms, we demonstrate the truly real statics of rape culture for women. While incorporating chains, beads, symbols, and different colors this piece represents every victim and gives them a voice. This wearable piece is a way of taking away the silence to an important topic.

Dr. Hendry would probably tell me to find something more specific to focus in on with the gentrification because right now my research is too broad. 

I'm going to focus in on that intersection Dr. D proposed the other day that is from Park to Acadian. I'm not really sure what kind of stories can be uncovered but I'm excited to see what I can uncover from this project. 

Dr. Hendry would probably tell me to find something more specific to focus in on with the gentrification because right now my research is too broad. 

I'm going to focus in on that intersection Dr. D proposed the other day that is from Park to Acadian. I'm not really sure what kind of stories can be uncovered but I'm excited to see what I can uncover from this project.