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6.9 Urban Data

8 min readjanuary 8, 2023

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Introduction

refers to data that is collected about urban areas, including cities, towns, and other built-up areas. can include a wide range of information, including , , , and data on and other urban systems.

is often collected and analyzed by governments, research institutions, and other organizations in order to better understand urban trends and patterns, to inform policy and planning decisions, and to measure the performance of urban systems and services.

can be collected using a variety of methods, including censuses, , satellite imagery, and other sources. It can be analyzed using statistical and spatial analysis techniques to identify trends and patterns and to understand the relationships between different variables.

can be used to inform a wide range of decisions and policy areas, including housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental management. It can also be used to track progress towards urban sustainability goals and to identify areas where further action is needed.

Quantitative Data: The Census

Quantitative Data

is data that can be measured and expressed in numerical terms. It is often used in research and analysis to describe and understand trends and patterns in data.

can be collected using a variety of methods, including , , and . It can be analyzed using statistical and mathematical techniques to identify patterns and trends and to understand the relationships between different variables.

There are a number of advantages to using in research and analysis, including the ability to:

  • Measure and compare data: allows for the measurement and comparison of data in a standardized way.

  • Test hypotheses: can be used to test hypotheses and to determine the statistical significance of relationships between variables.

  • Generalize findings: can be used to make generalizations about a larger population based on a sample.

is often contrasted with , which is more subjective and difficult to measure numerically. Both quantitative and can be useful in different contexts and for different purposes, and many research studies use a combination of both types of data.

Census

The is a process of collecting, compiling, and publishing data about the population and housing of a country or region. It is typically conducted by national governments or other official bodies, and it is typically conducted on a regular basis, such as every 10 years.

The is an important source of data that is used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Planning and policy-making: The provides data that can be used by governments, businesses, and other organizations to make informed decisions about planning and policy.

  • Allocating resources: The can be used to help allocate resources, such as funding for schools and other public services, based on the needs of different areas.

  • Studying social and economic trends: The can provide valuable insights into social and economic trends and patterns, such as changes in population size and composition, , and .

The typically collects a wide range of data, including information about , , , , , , and housing. It may also collect data on a variety of other topics, depending on the specific needs and goals of the .

Censuses can be conducted using a variety of methods, including mail , phone , and in-person . In recent years, there has been a trend towards the use of digital technologies to collect and compile data.

Here are a few examples of censuses:

  • The United States is a national that is conducted by the U.S. Bureau every 10 years. It collects data on a wide range of topics, including , , , household composition, , , and housing.

  • The Canadian is a national that is conducted by Statistics Canada every five years. It collects data on a range of topics, including , , language, , , and housing.

  • The Indian is a national that is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Commissioner every 10 years. It collects data on a wide range of topics, including , , religion, , , and housing.

  • The United Kingdom is a national that is conducted by the Office for National Statistics every 10 years. It collects data on a range of topics, including , , , household composition, , , and housing.

Racial/Residential Segregation

data, including data on , , and household composition, can be used to create that show patterns of residential and in urban areas. refers to the separation of different racial or ethnic groups into different neighborhoods or communities. It can be the result of a variety of factors, including , , and personal preferences. can have a number of negative impacts, including limiting access to resources and opportunities, exacerbating social and , and contributing to racial tensions and conflict. created using data can help to identify patterns of residential and and can be used to inform policy and planning decisions aimed at promoting more inclusive and equitable communities. They can also be used by researchers and advocates to raise awareness about segregation and its impacts and to advocate for change.

We can also create that look at the average income, or at the average of a neighborhood. Below is a map generated with data from the 2010 about in New York City.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-oAbv0479zfdh.jpg?alt=media&token=78dff525-428d-4b3f-a407-289fde70b2f9

Source: The New York Times

Qualitative Data: Field Studies & Maps

Qualitative Data

is data that is descriptive and can't be measured or expressed in numerical terms. It is often used in research and analysis to understand people's experiences, perspectives, and feelings about a particular topic or issue.

can be collected using a variety of methods, including , , observations, and . It can be analyzed using techniques such as or , which involve coding and categorizing the data to identify patterns and themes.

There are a number of advantages to using in research and analysis, including the ability to:

  • Understand complex issues in depth: can provide a rich and detailed understanding of complex issues, allowing researchers to delve into the nuances and context of a particular topic.

  • Explore new or emerging issues: can be particularly useful for exploring new or emerging issues that may not be well understood or that may not have a clear set of measurable variables.

  • Understand people's experiences and perspectives: can provide valuable insights into people's experiences and perspectives, allowing researchers to understand how people make sense of their world and how they interpret events and phenomena.

Looking at that Map above, that isn’t exactly …. The map isn’t displaying a number that can be made into averages and the data does not have any other quantitative characteristics… The type of data shown in the map is qualitative

and are two types of data collection methods that can provide about a particular area or phenomenon.

Field Studies

involve observing and collecting data about a particular area or community in person, often over an extended period of time. can be used to collect a wide range of data, including observations, , , and other types of data. can be particularly useful for understanding the context and complexities of a particular place or issue, and they can provide valuable insights that may not be captured through more quantitative methods.

Here are a few examples of :

  • A study of the impacts of urbanization on rural communities might involve conducting in-person with residents of both urban and rural areas to gather detailed information about their experiences and perspectives.

  • A study of the social and economic impacts of a new transportation system might involve conducting observations of the system in use and collecting data on factors such as ridership, travel patterns, and economic activity.

  • A study of the impacts of a natural disaster on a community might involve conducting with residents to gather information about their experiences, needs, and coping strategies.

  • A study of the social and economic impacts of a new development project might involve conducting in-depth with developers, community leaders, and local residents to understand the different perspectives on the project and its impacts.

Maps

are visual representations of data that can be used to represent a wide range of information about a particular area or region. can be used to show the location and distribution of particular features or phenomena, such as population density, land use, or natural resources. can be a useful tool for understanding patterns and trends in a particular area and can be used in conjunction with other data sources to provide a more complete picture of an area or issue.

Both and can be valuable tools for collecting and understanding about a particular area or issue. They can be used alone or in combination with other data sources to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular place or phenomenon.

Key Terms to Review (30)

Age

: Age refers to the length of time that a person has lived or a thing has existed.

Census

: A census is an official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.

Content Analysis

: Content analysis is a research technique used to make valid inferences by interpreting and coding textual material. It allows researchers to understand social reality in a subjective but scientific manner.

Demographic Data

: Demographic data refers to statistical information about populations such as age, gender, income level, race/ethnicity etc.

Discriminatory Housing Practices

: Discriminatory housing practices are actions by landlords, property managers, real estate agents or others that treat individuals differently based on their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin etc.

Document Analysis

: Document analysis is a systematic procedure for reviewing or evaluating documents—both printed and electronic material.

Economic Data

: Economic data is information about a country's economy, including GDP, unemployment rates, inflation rates, and trade balances.

Economic Inequality

: Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society. It is a widespread and pressing issue which includes disparities in wealth, earnings, and overall financial well-being.

Education

: Education is the process by which individuals acquire knowledge, skills, values and attitudes over time. This can occur through methods such as teaching, training or research.

Employment

: Employment refers to the state of having a paid job. It's an economic concept that involves people performing tasks in exchange for wages or salary.

Experiments

: Experiments are scientific procedures undertaken to make discoveries, test hypotheses, or demonstrate known facts.

Family Structure

: Family structure refers to the composition and membership of the family unit and their roles. It includes nuclear families (parents and children), extended families (includes grandparents, uncles/aunts etc.), single-parent families etc.

Field Studies

: Field studies involve collecting data outside of an experimental or lab setting. This could be anywhere relevant to the study such as a natural environment or a social setting.

Focus Groups

: A focus group is a qualitative research method where a small group of people are gathered to discuss and provide feedback on a specific topic, product, or service.

Gender

: Gender refers to social-cultural roles, behaviors, activities and attributes that any society considers appropriate for men and women.

Housing Data

: Housing data refers to the statistical information related to housing in a particular area, including aspects like the number of houses, types of houses, occupancy rates, and housing prices.

Housing Patterns

: Housing patterns refer to spatial arrangement of residences within an area, influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, culture, etc.

Income Levels

: Income levels refer to categories that divide households or individuals into segments based on income earned from all sources before taxes.

Infrastructure

: Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society to function, such as roads, bridges, power lines, water supply systems, schools, hospitals etc.

Interviews

: Interviews refer to a formal or informal approach where one person asks a series of questions to another person to gather information on specific topics.

Maps

: A map is a visual representation of an area – a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes.

Observational Studies

: Observational studies involve observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulation by researchers.

Qualitative Data

: Qualitative data refers to non-numerical information that describes qualities or characteristics, such as feelings, opinions, behaviors, and descriptions.

Quantitative Data

: Quantitative data is numerical information that can be measured or counted. It's often collected through surveys, observations, or experiments and used to make graphs or charts.

Race and Ethnicity

: Race refers to a group of people who share similar and distinct physical characteristics, while ethnicity refers to a group of people who identify with each other based on common ancestral, cultural, social, or national experiences.

Racial Segregation

: Racial segregation is the systemic separation of people into racial or ethnic groups in daily life. It can occur in housing, education, employment among others.

Residential Segregation

: Residential segregation refers to the physical separation of two or more groups into different neighborhoods, often based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or religion.

Surveys

: Surveys are a method of gathering information from a sample of people, traditionally with the intention of generalizing the results to a larger population.

Thematic Analysis

: Thematic analysis is a method used in qualitative research to identify, analyze, and report patterns (themes) within data. It organizes and describes the data set in detail and interprets various aspects of the research topic.

Urban Data

: Urban data refers to the information related to urban areas, including population density, infrastructure, transportation systems, and land use patterns.

6.9 Urban Data

8 min readjanuary 8, 2023

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Harrison Burnside

Harrison Burnside

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Introduction

refers to data that is collected about urban areas, including cities, towns, and other built-up areas. can include a wide range of information, including , , , and data on and other urban systems.

is often collected and analyzed by governments, research institutions, and other organizations in order to better understand urban trends and patterns, to inform policy and planning decisions, and to measure the performance of urban systems and services.

can be collected using a variety of methods, including censuses, , satellite imagery, and other sources. It can be analyzed using statistical and spatial analysis techniques to identify trends and patterns and to understand the relationships between different variables.

can be used to inform a wide range of decisions and policy areas, including housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental management. It can also be used to track progress towards urban sustainability goals and to identify areas where further action is needed.

Quantitative Data: The Census

Quantitative Data

is data that can be measured and expressed in numerical terms. It is often used in research and analysis to describe and understand trends and patterns in data.

can be collected using a variety of methods, including , , and . It can be analyzed using statistical and mathematical techniques to identify patterns and trends and to understand the relationships between different variables.

There are a number of advantages to using in research and analysis, including the ability to:

  • Measure and compare data: allows for the measurement and comparison of data in a standardized way.

  • Test hypotheses: can be used to test hypotheses and to determine the statistical significance of relationships between variables.

  • Generalize findings: can be used to make generalizations about a larger population based on a sample.

is often contrasted with , which is more subjective and difficult to measure numerically. Both quantitative and can be useful in different contexts and for different purposes, and many research studies use a combination of both types of data.

Census

The is a process of collecting, compiling, and publishing data about the population and housing of a country or region. It is typically conducted by national governments or other official bodies, and it is typically conducted on a regular basis, such as every 10 years.

The is an important source of data that is used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Planning and policy-making: The provides data that can be used by governments, businesses, and other organizations to make informed decisions about planning and policy.

  • Allocating resources: The can be used to help allocate resources, such as funding for schools and other public services, based on the needs of different areas.

  • Studying social and economic trends: The can provide valuable insights into social and economic trends and patterns, such as changes in population size and composition, , and .

The typically collects a wide range of data, including information about , , , , , , and housing. It may also collect data on a variety of other topics, depending on the specific needs and goals of the .

Censuses can be conducted using a variety of methods, including mail , phone , and in-person . In recent years, there has been a trend towards the use of digital technologies to collect and compile data.

Here are a few examples of censuses:

  • The United States is a national that is conducted by the U.S. Bureau every 10 years. It collects data on a wide range of topics, including , , , household composition, , , and housing.

  • The Canadian is a national that is conducted by Statistics Canada every five years. It collects data on a range of topics, including , , language, , , and housing.

  • The Indian is a national that is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Commissioner every 10 years. It collects data on a wide range of topics, including , , religion, , , and housing.

  • The United Kingdom is a national that is conducted by the Office for National Statistics every 10 years. It collects data on a range of topics, including , , , household composition, , , and housing.

Racial/Residential Segregation

data, including data on , , and household composition, can be used to create that show patterns of residential and in urban areas. refers to the separation of different racial or ethnic groups into different neighborhoods or communities. It can be the result of a variety of factors, including , , and personal preferences. can have a number of negative impacts, including limiting access to resources and opportunities, exacerbating social and , and contributing to racial tensions and conflict. created using data can help to identify patterns of residential and and can be used to inform policy and planning decisions aimed at promoting more inclusive and equitable communities. They can also be used by researchers and advocates to raise awareness about segregation and its impacts and to advocate for change.

We can also create that look at the average income, or at the average of a neighborhood. Below is a map generated with data from the 2010 about in New York City.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-oAbv0479zfdh.jpg?alt=media&token=78dff525-428d-4b3f-a407-289fde70b2f9

Source: The New York Times

Qualitative Data: Field Studies & Maps

Qualitative Data

is data that is descriptive and can't be measured or expressed in numerical terms. It is often used in research and analysis to understand people's experiences, perspectives, and feelings about a particular topic or issue.

can be collected using a variety of methods, including , , observations, and . It can be analyzed using techniques such as or , which involve coding and categorizing the data to identify patterns and themes.

There are a number of advantages to using in research and analysis, including the ability to:

  • Understand complex issues in depth: can provide a rich and detailed understanding of complex issues, allowing researchers to delve into the nuances and context of a particular topic.

  • Explore new or emerging issues: can be particularly useful for exploring new or emerging issues that may not be well understood or that may not have a clear set of measurable variables.

  • Understand people's experiences and perspectives: can provide valuable insights into people's experiences and perspectives, allowing researchers to understand how people make sense of their world and how they interpret events and phenomena.

Looking at that Map above, that isn’t exactly …. The map isn’t displaying a number that can be made into averages and the data does not have any other quantitative characteristics… The type of data shown in the map is qualitative

and are two types of data collection methods that can provide about a particular area or phenomenon.

Field Studies

involve observing and collecting data about a particular area or community in person, often over an extended period of time. can be used to collect a wide range of data, including observations, , , and other types of data. can be particularly useful for understanding the context and complexities of a particular place or issue, and they can provide valuable insights that may not be captured through more quantitative methods.

Here are a few examples of :

  • A study of the impacts of urbanization on rural communities might involve conducting in-person with residents of both urban and rural areas to gather detailed information about their experiences and perspectives.

  • A study of the social and economic impacts of a new transportation system might involve conducting observations of the system in use and collecting data on factors such as ridership, travel patterns, and economic activity.

  • A study of the impacts of a natural disaster on a community might involve conducting with residents to gather information about their experiences, needs, and coping strategies.

  • A study of the social and economic impacts of a new development project might involve conducting in-depth with developers, community leaders, and local residents to understand the different perspectives on the project and its impacts.

Maps

are visual representations of data that can be used to represent a wide range of information about a particular area or region. can be used to show the location and distribution of particular features or phenomena, such as population density, land use, or natural resources. can be a useful tool for understanding patterns and trends in a particular area and can be used in conjunction with other data sources to provide a more complete picture of an area or issue.

Both and can be valuable tools for collecting and understanding about a particular area or issue. They can be used alone or in combination with other data sources to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular place or phenomenon.

Key Terms to Review (30)

Age

: Age refers to the length of time that a person has lived or a thing has existed.

Census

: A census is an official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.

Content Analysis

: Content analysis is a research technique used to make valid inferences by interpreting and coding textual material. It allows researchers to understand social reality in a subjective but scientific manner.

Demographic Data

: Demographic data refers to statistical information about populations such as age, gender, income level, race/ethnicity etc.

Discriminatory Housing Practices

: Discriminatory housing practices are actions by landlords, property managers, real estate agents or others that treat individuals differently based on their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin etc.

Document Analysis

: Document analysis is a systematic procedure for reviewing or evaluating documents—both printed and electronic material.

Economic Data

: Economic data is information about a country's economy, including GDP, unemployment rates, inflation rates, and trade balances.

Economic Inequality

: Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society. It is a widespread and pressing issue which includes disparities in wealth, earnings, and overall financial well-being.

Education

: Education is the process by which individuals acquire knowledge, skills, values and attitudes over time. This can occur through methods such as teaching, training or research.

Employment

: Employment refers to the state of having a paid job. It's an economic concept that involves people performing tasks in exchange for wages or salary.

Experiments

: Experiments are scientific procedures undertaken to make discoveries, test hypotheses, or demonstrate known facts.

Family Structure

: Family structure refers to the composition and membership of the family unit and their roles. It includes nuclear families (parents and children), extended families (includes grandparents, uncles/aunts etc.), single-parent families etc.

Field Studies

: Field studies involve collecting data outside of an experimental or lab setting. This could be anywhere relevant to the study such as a natural environment or a social setting.

Focus Groups

: A focus group is a qualitative research method where a small group of people are gathered to discuss and provide feedback on a specific topic, product, or service.

Gender

: Gender refers to social-cultural roles, behaviors, activities and attributes that any society considers appropriate for men and women.

Housing Data

: Housing data refers to the statistical information related to housing in a particular area, including aspects like the number of houses, types of houses, occupancy rates, and housing prices.

Housing Patterns

: Housing patterns refer to spatial arrangement of residences within an area, influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, race, culture, etc.

Income Levels

: Income levels refer to categories that divide households or individuals into segments based on income earned from all sources before taxes.

Infrastructure

: Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society to function, such as roads, bridges, power lines, water supply systems, schools, hospitals etc.

Interviews

: Interviews refer to a formal or informal approach where one person asks a series of questions to another person to gather information on specific topics.

Maps

: A map is a visual representation of an area – a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes.

Observational Studies

: Observational studies involve observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulation by researchers.

Qualitative Data

: Qualitative data refers to non-numerical information that describes qualities or characteristics, such as feelings, opinions, behaviors, and descriptions.

Quantitative Data

: Quantitative data is numerical information that can be measured or counted. It's often collected through surveys, observations, or experiments and used to make graphs or charts.

Race and Ethnicity

: Race refers to a group of people who share similar and distinct physical characteristics, while ethnicity refers to a group of people who identify with each other based on common ancestral, cultural, social, or national experiences.

Racial Segregation

: Racial segregation is the systemic separation of people into racial or ethnic groups in daily life. It can occur in housing, education, employment among others.

Residential Segregation

: Residential segregation refers to the physical separation of two or more groups into different neighborhoods, often based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or religion.

Surveys

: Surveys are a method of gathering information from a sample of people, traditionally with the intention of generalizing the results to a larger population.

Thematic Analysis

: Thematic analysis is a method used in qualitative research to identify, analyze, and report patterns (themes) within data. It organizes and describes the data set in detail and interprets various aspects of the research topic.

Urban Data

: Urban data refers to the information related to urban areas, including population density, infrastructure, transportation systems, and land use patterns.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.