Week 8 Lab: Census Data Maps!

This map of Asian population density based on the 2000 census shows higher concentrations of self-described Asians on the west coast (particularly southern California) and in the upper east coast (particularly the New York area). There are a few exceptions however, with Asian population density surpassing 70,000 members in the upper right region of Texas. For the most part, as a pattern, the Asian population is highest in big city areas such as San Diego, Los Angeles, San Fransisco/ Bay Area, Dallas, New York City, and Boston.

This map of the African American population density based on the 2000 census shows a general trend of high African American population density in the central and southern parts of the west coast/ Arizona area and the southern portion of the east coast/ eastern Texas area. There appears to be a much higher population of African Americans throughout the United States than of Asian Americans.

This map of the population density of other races (not African American or Asian American) based on the 2000 census shows a must more sporadic and spread out trend than either that of the Asian Americans or African Americans. The population density is highest in the San Francisco/ Bay Area portion of California as well as the Albuquerque area of New Mexico. Lower, yet still significant population densities are found throughout most of the west coast, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, as well as smaller areas of concentration around southern Florida, South Carolina, and the upper east coast.

   As a whole the census data shows a lack of African Americans, Asian Americans, and other races (and therefore diversity) in the northern and central parts on the United States. There seems to be higher portions in well-established and known big cities, such as California's Bay Area, San Diego, Los Angeles, and New York City. The population of African American in the United States seems to easily surpass that of Asian Americans and as a whole rivals that of other races (although the density of other races is must more spread out). All in all, the census data and subsequent maps seem to provide both a good visual and an informative source.

   In terms of GIS, the possibilities immense. It is relatively easy to use once trained and provides excellent visuals to make sense of endless and sometimes confusing data. It ability to be easily changed, managed, and manipulated make it vastly superior to hard copy maps and user generated online mapping websites. Although GIS mapping is extremely helpful and useful when used properly, in order to maintain the integrity of GIS technology it should not be available for use by the general public, but should instead be reserved for professionals and college level students seeking understanding and mastery of the technology.