Crime Analysis - Hotspot Mapping - Module 1

 

This week, we focused on different hot spot mapping techniques to include grid overlay, kernel density estimation (KDE) , and Local Moran I.  We conducted an exploratory crime analysis to assess the crime rate regarding burglaries in Washington, DC.  We also utilized kernel density to visualize clusters of assaults with a deadly weapon in Washington, DC.

 

For the main portion of the lab, we utilized all three hotspot mapping techniques to assess homicide crime patterns in Chicago, IL in 2017 and 2018.  Upon completing all three techniques, I concluded that the KDE technique was easier to interpret than the maps produced using the other two techniques. Additionally, the KDE technique is typically the most used method for hotspot mapping for crime analysis.