In this assignment, you will use QGIS to create maps for administrative analysis. The purpose of this assignment is to introduce you to how geographic information can support public and organizational decision-making.
In administration, location often matters. Managers may need to understand where complaints are concentrated, where services are lacking, or whether certain neighborhoods appear to face greater burdens than others. Mapping can help make those patterns easier to identify.
This assignment is designed as an introductory mapping exercise. You are not expected to produce a highly advanced GIS project. Instead, your goal is to create a clear and meaningful map and explain what it suggests.
Learning Objectives
By completing this assignment, you should be able to:
import data into QGIS;
identify basic geographic information in a dataset;
create maps (depends on what type of story you want to tell) using point or area data;
apply basic labeling or symbology;
interpret what a map may suggest for administrative decision-making.
Instructions
Use the provided dataset with location information to create a map in QGIS.
Part 1: Prepare the Data
Review the dataset and identify the fields needed for mapping.
You should:
identify the location-related variables;
determine whether the file uses latitude and longitude or address-based location information;
prepare the file so it can be imported into QGIS.
You may use a simplified version of the dataset if needed.
Part 2: Create a Basic Map
Create one map that shows a meaningful spatial pattern.
Possible examples:
locations of code violations;
concentration of complaints by area;
comparison of different complaint types across space;
open vs. closed cases by location.
Your map should include:
a title;
a legend if appropriate;
readable symbology;
enough visual clarity that the map can be interpreted by a general audience.
Part 3: Add Basic Design Elements
At a minimum, your final map should include:
title,
map layer(s),
legend if needed,
north arrow,
scale bar.
Part 4: Write a Short Interpretation
Write a 300–500 word interpretation of your map.
Your interpretation should address:
what the map shows;
whether any spatial pattern stands out;
what a manager or administrator might learn from this map;
one limitation of the map or dataset.
Deliverables
Submit the following:
one exported map as PDF or image;
one short written interpretation in Word or PDF format.
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