Urban fieldwork - methods of data presentation

Question 1

what were our methods of primary data presentation?

Answer 1

• Proportional circles map using EQS data
• Pie chart using data from structured questionnaire (what do you think should be the main priority in the North Street regeneration scheme?)
• annotated photographs of study sites

Question 2

description of proportional circles map presentation technique

Answer 2

• satellite image from google earth of North Street regen site was re-coloured in grey-scale to make proportional circles stand out more - easier to read
• circles were located onto each of the 10 EQS measurement points
• circles were plotted with areas proportional to EQS score (larger circle = higher EQS)
• cartographic technique using geo-located data

Question 3

what type of data was used in the proportional circles map?

Answer 3

• quantitative data from the EQS scores
• continuous data

Question 4

advantages of the proportional circles map technique

Answer 4

• clear visual representation of patterns of EQS across the site
• geo-located data where circles are plotted on the base satellite image in exact position where EQS measurement was taken = can easily observe spatial patterns
• easy to draw using IT software

Question 5

disadvantages of the proportional circles map technique

Answer 5

• we can’t tell exact EQS values from each point, only sense of relative differences between points
• hard to distinguish small differences in EQS between similarly sized circles
• only show total EQ score, we cannot tell how various factors such as noise levels influenced this score

Question 6

alternatives to proportional circles map method

Answer 6

• simple bar chart with EQS on y-axis and site number on x-axis
• however, this loses the geo-located part, so we can no longer see spatial patterns
• proportional pie charts at each point instead of js circles so each factor affecting EQ could be viewed relative to other sites

Question 7

description of pie chart presentation technique

Answer 7

• shows responses to the question, what do you think should be the main priority in the North street regen project?
• the more frequent the response, the larger the segment

Question 8

what type of data was used in the pie chart?

Answer 8

• quantitative (due to use of closed questions)
• categorical (exists within categories)

Question 9

advantages of the pie chart technique

Answer 9

• clear visual representation of public opinion abt what should be the focus of the regen scheme
• easy to see relative differences in response frequency by comparing segment size
• v quick + easy to draw using excel = allows more time for analysis of data

Question 10

disadvantages of the pie chart technique

Answer 10

• can’t tell exact number of responses from segment size, just relative differences in response frequency
• hard to distinguish small differences in response frequency as segments can look v similar in size
• no breakdown of response by age and gender e.g if male and female regen priorities are varying = limits quality of analysis

Question 11

description of annotated photograph technique

Answer 11

• photograph represents a point within the study area at a particular moment in time
• annotations highlight and explain certain aspects of the photograph that are relevant to the hypotheses and research questions

Question 12

what type of data was used in the annotated photos?

Answer 12

qualitative

Question 13

advantages of annotated photo

Answer 13

• clear visual representation of locations within the study area
• accurate depiction of the location
• quicker + more detailed than a field sketch
• annotations explain points of interest = easier for analysis

Question 14

disadvantages of annotated photo

Answer 14

• shows location at a particular moment in time, may not be unreliable as may look diff at other times
• only one orientation , we can’t see what isn’t in the photo - not fully representative
• photos capture everything, so points of interest may be diluted amongst general clutter of photo
• some features may be hidden by other things in the picture, field sketches can omit these

Question 15

alternative to annotated photo

Answer 15

• field sketch - takes longer to produce but only includes what you want so tailor-made to requirements of project