Members of Group:
This site (Enviro Mapper) provides a range of geographic scales and access to a lot of EPA's data on the environment. Take a look at how this site is organized. You can just enter the top, or try one of the pages below... When you get a map, be sure to select the function you want (default is Zoom in by a factor of 2). Some of the Java doesn't quite work right, but there is a lot of stuff if you zoom in the magic amount (around 10 mile radius). HINT: Use zip code to get in quick...
The site home | A more descriptive entry point | Their help screens | Special access point for watersheds | Puget Sound scores a 5 out of 6 (not good) | State data on percentage of wetlands lost 1790-1980 | x |and lots more!
Note that this site includes an ability to comment: One example (watershed comments); and there is an About The Data button on most of the maps.
Questions:
1. Pick one of the environmental indices. Name: ___________________________
How well documented is it?
How did they pick the classification on the map?
2. Identify one of the point objects (toxic releases, or whatever; Use the Identify button)
The map is redrawn with a link at the bottom; follow the link.
What kind of data appears?
How does this compare to the index?
Entry point (try the newest version?) This permits you to Select variables (pick a few), Select geography (pick a state or two at first...), You can create new variables as functions of the ones you select (derived values...) AND it lets you change the classifications from quantiles to equal intervals. Who needs to buy fancy software! So, pick your variable and area of interest:
What variable: __________________________ What area? ________________
3. How different does it looks with quantiles or equal intervals?
4. How different is the message at the tract level?
Description of the project| Explanatory starting point | Startup script |
Try some maps. Try the Identify button, the legend box.
5. What do you think about the selection of variables?
6. Can you tell what kind of classification they are using? (are they telling you?)
Which one of these sites provides the better data?
Which one of these sites provides the better cartography?
Which one of these sites provides the better interface?