PRT 504- Data Management and Applications in Parks Recreation, Tourism & Sport;
Margaret Van Bakergem
In this class we created our own databases, crafted hypotheses, and worked on data analytic techniques in the context of program evaluation.
Reflection/Analysis - Having spent the last decade or so working to transform the River Arts District in Asheville, NC, I was curious to see what the data would tell me. Although I only used property (land) records for my database. Looking back, I would not have chosen to work with a records system with tens of thousands of records, some needing correcting. I used GIS to clip out the specific records I needed, but as parcels change shape over time due to development, this was also not easy. I added in other data to round out the infographic. This was the hardest class for me even though I love data, and in particular parsing out patterns of data. Even thought this is far from professional as a graphic, I've used it repeatedly in presentations and my City Manager loves it. Shows how powerful data can be, especially when used to illuminate the effectiveness of program investments.