Data Dive: Air Quality
Learn more about two of SparkMap’s Air Quality data layers in this Data Dive. We explore both Ozone Levels and Particulate Matter (i.e., small particles in the air) as two indicators of community health.
Where’s the Food? Part Two: Food Retailer Distribution Rates
This blog is part two of our Where’s the Food series. Our last blog, Where’s the Food? Part One: Finding and Using Data on Specific Food Retailer Locations discussed SparkMap’s USDA data on supermarket and farmer’s market locations. Now we’re shifting the focus to finding and utilizing data on food distribution rates. We will discuss: …
Measures of Race and Ethnicity: A Look at Shifting Demographics
In this SparkMap Webinar, we provide informative definitions of race and ethnicity and discuss the importance of population change to community development. We also highlight the changing landscape of race and ethnicity in the United States and why it’s important. We wrap up by demonstrating how to find and interpret demographics information in both the…
Digging Deeper into the NCCPI 3.0
The National Commodity Crop Productivity Index 3.0 is an invaluable tool to evaluate soil productivity. In this blog we discuss background information on the index, reasons to use it, and how to interpret it in our Map Room.
Tracking Data Trends Over Time: Enhancing Data Literacy pt. 3
Focusing on trends in data over time is interesting and impactful. Understanding which job sectors have grown in the last five years, illuminating areas of increased health disparity, or tracking migration patterns within the country are important for community development, resource allocation, and legislative efforts. While it’s easy to assume data from the same sources…
4 Ways to Enhance Your Data Visualizations
In this piece, we consider some of the best practices of data visualization and offer 4 key tips to improve your data viz usage.
Public Education Funding and Student Outcomes
The debate around public education funding and student outcomes is longstanding. In this blog, we discuss important background information on where SparkMap’s public education revenue and expenditure data comes from, what it covers, how it is linked to student outcomes over time, and how you can use SparkMap to dive into the link between public education expenditures and outcomes in your community.
Enhancing Data Literacy pt. 2: Interpreting Maps
Creating lasting change in your community is only possible when you have an accurate understanding of its strengths and needs. In other words, you need community-level data in order to determine outreach needs, pinpoint service areas, and identify areas in which your community already excels. We believe the best way to do this is through…
Data | Environment | Map Room
My World’s on Fire, How ‘Bout Yours?
In this blog, we highlight frequently updated wildfire and drought data layers. Whether or not your community is directly impacted by wildfire season or drought, our climate data can help you stay safe and spur positive community resilience.
Enhancing Data Literacy with SparkMap
At SparkMap, we’re passionate about impacting communities based on high-quality data. Since you’re here, you probably feel the same way. However, we know that understanding and applying data can be tricky. So, we’re starting a blog series dedicated to the foundations of data literacy. Through this blog series, we hope to empower you by enhancing…