Independent Project: GeoPandas and Data Management around Python

This objective of this project is more learning oriented. I will get acquainted with the vast python ecosystem, and learn how to manage the numerous packages and modules into 'environments'. Then, I will use an opensource geospatial package called GeoPandas to create maps and plots and attempt to visualize partisan gerrymandering in Wisconsin. I will export these visualizations so that the analysis can be continued on other plaforms.

Lab: Big Data and Twitter API

Recently, big data has gathered the interest of many, and in the geography community, its use in the study of natural disasters and its potential as a tool for emergency responders are being examined closely. In this lab, the goal is to become familiar with twitter's API through rStudio, and import the geolocated tweets to PostGIS and GeoDa to perform spatial analysis. Specifically, we will examine activity during Hurricane Dorian that devastated the Bahamas and affected the East Coast of the United States. Of course, this event was in part overshadowed by DJT's infamous 'sharpiegate'. By examining twitter activity, I wish to uncover whether such a controversy could alter tweet activity in significant ways to affect emergency responders or academic research.

Lab: Reproducibility and Replicability in Geography Research

This lab has two large goals. Firstly, we will reproduce a vulnerability map published in Applied Geography by Malcolm, Weaver, and Krakowka using the datasets and methodologies outlined in their article. Secondly, we will critique the methods used by the authors and discuss the broader issue of replicability in vulnerability analysis. This lab is an opportunity to dive deep into the reproducibility and replicability discussion that is becoming a hot issue in the social science community.

Lab: Web Mapping with Leaflet

Creating a ‘slippy’ webmap is very easy to do thanks to the myriad of opensource plugins and software that is available now. The two most popular are OpenLayers and Leaflet, which uses javascript files exported from QGIS layers to create a in-browser visualisation. The goal of this lab is to create this webmap. The steps are straightforward, but bugs and glitches are rather common. I will walk you through how I made this webmap.

Lab: OpenStreetMap Data on PostGIS

The goal of this lab is to use OpenStreetMap (OSM) and Tanzania Resilience Academy (RA) data to quantify a dimension of vulnerability, and create a visualization at the sub-ward level to aid policy action. I will specifically be looking at the vulnerability caused by the build-up of rubbish in areas that are near existing drain blockages, but are inaccessible by vehicle. The goal of my final visualization is to highlight the sub-wards that are in dire need of reviewing its road and trash-collection infrastructure to lower their vulnerability to the next big flood.

Lab: Global DEM and Error Propagation

This lab has two learning goals: 1) to become familiar with the open source terrain analysis software SAGA and 2) to learn to examine and compare raster datasets with a critical lens. SAGA is an opensource terrain analysis software has been around since 2004, and it is ideal for physical geography analysis using raster data. I will use two datasets, ASTER and SRTM, and through the analysis I will identify the dataset that is better suited for the study region.

Lab: Creating a QGIS Model: Introduction to Open Source

The goal of this lab is to be acquainted with the open source GIS environment; this can mean several things. In a myopic sense, this means learning to use QGIS, an open source GIS software. However, ‘open source’ is so much more than the software per se: it signifies the whole ecosystem of professionals and hobbyists that engage in the bottom up, grassroots creation of useful tools. This environment revolves around online forums and repositories like Github. Therefore, getting acquainted with open source means creating a tool, publishing it on the web, and creating helpful documentation to allow others to use and modify it. This is precisely the goal of this lab.