Quantitative Data Classification
When choosing a method for quantitative data classification it is important to consider the ethics, visual display and purpose of the map. Different uses will require difference classification methods. For example, as a journalist, I would select the Manual Breaks classification; this allows readers to clearly see what the cost is in each part of the city and census tract. As well, I can make the intervals simple and intuitive so that my readers can easily grasp what the map is showing them. In a different example, as a real estate agent working near UBC, I would likely select the Equal Interval classification because you could point out that although areas near UBC are expensive; there are other areas that are more expensive so there would be more incentive to buy at UBC.
There are ethical implications to what classification method we use because it can easily sway the outcome of the map. It is easy to distort the map so that it looks as if everything in Vancouver is either very expensive or very inexpensive by setting very wide intervals. As well, when using Manual Breaks, I am selecting what the range that I want to have displayed which may be problematic as I could possibly be manipulating the data.
As you can see from the following map, it is important to recognize how much the different data classifications can impact the final product.
Housing Affordability
This map visualizes housing affordability in Vancouver compared to Ottawa. Affordability is a a measure of income compared to housing costs, this is a better measure than simply housing costs because it allows us to compare two cities regardless of what the average income is for that city and instead focus only on what is actually a reasonable amount to spend on shelter costs. These maps are based on the 12th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey which rates affordability based on the “Median Multiple” which uses data from nine countries to evaluate housing markets and is used by the World Bank and the United Nations. This is a trusted and well used source that has done comparable work over many years and has created a standard which is easy to follow and understand.
While this map tells us about the affordability of Vancouver compared to Ottawa, it does not tell us about how liveable each city is, which is the quality of life in each city. Despite Vancouver’s unaffordability, it is ranked as one of the most ‘liveable’ cities in the world because of its stability, culture, lifestyle, climate, education and infrastructure.
