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LAB 3 — ASSIGNMENT

Spatial Data Integration & Environmental Justice

Download the assignment file, complete the three questions, and submit your .qmd and rendered .html to Canvas.

Assignment Workflow

This file is identical to the tutorial
The pre-filled code (Steps 1–9) produces the same output as the tutorial. If this file is in the same folder as your tutorial QMD, you can knit immediately and see the same results. If you placed it in a different location, run the packages chunk first, then knit.
Need a Census API key?
Setup instructions are in the Lab 3 Tutorial under “Before You Begin.” Register free at api.census.gov/data/key_signup.html — key arrives by email within minutes.
1

Download and rename

Use the download link below. Save to your PAF516/Lab3/ folder. Rename to Lab3_Assignment_YourLastName.qmd before editing.

2

Knit the file first

Press Cmd+Shift+K (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+K (PC). Steps 1–9 render automatically. Review the output — these are the results you will interpret for Q1.

3

Answer the three questions

Q1: Interpret the ICC and scale sensitivity results (text, 3 parts). Q2: Change the buffer distance to 0.5 miles by filling in the scaffold chunks at the end of the file (code). Q3: Compare the two buffer distances (text). Re-knit after completing Q2.

4

Submit to Canvas

Submit both Lab3_Assignment_YourLastName.qmd and Lab3_Assignment_YourLastName.html.

The Three Questions

Q1 Interpret the ICC and Scale Sensitivity Text answer — no code required

After knitting, answer the following three parts:

  • 1a. What is the ICC for the Maricopa County hardship index? Based on the interpretation table in Module 3, does aggregating to tract level lose meaningful variation?
  • 1b. Looking at the block group vs. tract maps in Step 3, where do you see the biggest differences? Name a specific area where the block group map reveals something the tract map hides.
  • 1c. If you were advising a city agency on where to target services, would you recommend block group or tract geography? Justify using the ICC result.

Replace the placeholder text in the Q1 section. A few sentences per bullet is sufficient.

Q2 Modify: Change Buffer Distance to 0.5 Miles Code + output required

Change the buffer distance from 1 mile (5,280 feet) to 0.5 miles (2,640 feet):

  • Re-run Steps 7, 8, and 9 with the new buffer distance
  • Three scaffold chunks are provided: q2-half-mile-buffer, q2-enriched-index, and q2-maps
  • Recompute the enriched index and regenerate the comparative maps
Q3 Interpret the Buffer Sensitivity Text answer — no code required

Compare the 1-mile and 0.5-mile enriched index results:

  • Did Cronbach’s alpha improve or weaken when you changed from 1 mile to 0.5 miles? What does this tell you about how well the 0.5-mile proximity variable fits the hardship construct?
  • How sensitive are the results to buffer distance? Where do the two maps disagree most?
  • Buffer distance sensitivity is a form of MAUP. Drawing on the Module 3 readings, what steps would you take to make your buffer distance choice more defensible?

Quick Reference

ActionMacPC
Run current chunkCmd+ReturnCtrl+Enter
Knit / RenderCmd+Shift+KCtrl+Shift+K

Download & Submit

Lab 3 Assignment File

Download Lab3_Assignment.qmd

Right-click → Save Link As. Save to your PAF516/Lab3/ folder.

Submit to Canvas

  • Lab3_Assignment_YourLastName.qmd — your edited source file
  • Lab3_Assignment_YourLastName.html — the rendered output
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