Special Topics Scale Effect and Spatial Data Aggregation Lab 6

This weeks lab focused on the effects of scale and resolution on the properties of spatial data, and the Modifiable Area Unit Problem (MAUP). 

Vector data is highly dependent on scale, at larger scales(closer view) features are represented with more detail. While at smaller scales(zoomed out) the data will have less data which may require generalization when analyzing. Vector data should be adapted when using different scales to maintain interpretability.

Resolution within raster data refers to the size of the grid cells/pixels used to make the dataset. High resolution raster will have smaller pixels, which creates better detail. Low resolution raster will have larger pixels, which may lead to generalizing the information within the raster. Choosing the best resolution is important since it can directly impact the type of analysis and its accuracy.

Gerrymandering is the manipulation of the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one party or class. District lines are redrawn to manipulate specific voting populations, which skews the actual distribution of voters. Within this lab gerrymandering was measured using compact measurement. This is done by evaluating the compactness of districts, where irregularly shaped or contorted districts are a sign of manipulation. The Polsby-Popper score was then used to assess the compactness by comparing the area to the perimeter. The worst offender of district compactness in the lab was North Carolina District 12 (highlighted in red).




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