🎯 Learning Objectives
- Formulate a specific, measurable, and spatial research question.
- Conduct a preliminary Literature Review to identify gaps in knowledge.
- Source and validate at least two datasets (Vector & Raster).
- Perform a "Pilot Test" to ensure data interoperability.
🧠 Design Tool: The Inquiry Cycle
Every good project follows this cycle. Where are you starting?
Define the problem.
Find the data.
Process the data.
Present results.
📂 Scenario: The Grant Application
You are applying for a "mini-grant" (your grade) to conduct independent research. The review board (your instructor) will not approve a project without proof that it is feasible.
🛠️ Proposal Steps
Follow these steps to build your proposal document.
The Question
Draft a question that asks "Where" or "Why there?"
Bad: "Map of crime in Chicago." (This is a statement, not a question)
Good: "Does the density of streetlights correlate with nighttime robbery rates in Chicago?"
The Lit Review
Find 3 academic sources. Use Google Scholar.
Task: Summarize each in 2 sentences. What did they find? What did they miss?
Data Acquisition & Pilot
Download your proposed data. Open it in ArcGIS/QGIS.
Check:
- Does it open?
- Is it in a known coordinate system?
- Does it cover your study area?
Take a screenshot of the data loaded in software. This is your proof of life.
Methodology Draft
List the specific GIS tools you will use.
Example: "I will use 'Kernel Density' to map hotspots and 'Zonal Statistics' to aggregate them to neighborhoods."
✅ Submission & Assessment
To complete this lab, you must submit a **2-Page Proposal PDF** containing:
- Title & Question: Clear and concise.
- Lit Review: 3 sources summarized.
- Data Dictionary: List of datasets, sources, and year.
- Pilot Screenshot: Evidence that you have opened the data.
- Methods Flowchart: A simple diagram of your planned steps.