CSCI 385 - Lab 3
Choropleths and GIS / API Mashups
Possible Datasets
Choropleth Examples
Description
For this lab, you will be creating a Choropleth, incorporating the tools we learned in
class about data analysis and matplotlib.
I have linked in a number of possible sources for datasets above, but this is by no
means exhaustive, please feel free to use data from a topic you find relevant and
interesting.
There are many examples of Choropleths in the news, also linked above. You should similarly
strive to a visualization not seen before and that helps
explain a hypothesis and visualizes the supporting evidence. Make something awesome
that you are proud of and is facebook/reddit/hackernews worthy.
You will be working in pairs on this assignment.
Specifically, you should
- Find a geospatial dataset and note its provenance (collection time, accuracy, method, etc).
- Draw a map using this data to shade the regions. This can be on a state, national, or county level.
- Use the Albers conic projection to minimize distortion in your map.
- Denote the steps you used so that your analysis is repeatable by others.
- Write descriptions in your IPython document of your project for a general audience. This should be in the
style of a blog post,
intermixed with the relevant python code and map figures.
- Give a 3 minute presentation to the class on Friday about your findings.
Doing well on the above will earn you a 90 on this lab.
For a 100, do something extra. For example, add in specific points as symbols on the map
with Circles or Text, draw a path across the map
connecting major important pieces, or animate the map over time by
assembling an animated gif. Be creative!
Specify in your writeup what takes your
lab beyond the required elements above.
What to Turn In
This assignment is due at 2:45 pm on Thursday, September 11th in Moodle. This is to give
me time to assemble your documents for easy presentation in class on Friday, and to
allow you to practice your presentation.
Use Moodle to turn in your IPython notebook.