This week, titled “Geospatial Analysis and Mapping,” I choose to construct a data map using census data and Flourish. We learned how to create both data and narrative maps in the lecture; although the narrative map seemed interesting, I felt like the Data map did a better job comparing different data. I personally am a visual learner, I really enjoyed constructing the map. It was interesting to see the things we learned in class in a visual piece. Here is the link to my Data Map: https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/4273686/
After I used to mapshaper, I added the census data into flourish and chose the parameters and time period for my map. These were 1850-enslaved men aged 80 to 89 vs. white men age 80 to 89. I choose this because I knew there would be the most data in this period; however, I wanted the difference to be drastic for visualization and comparison reasons. I also used the palette inferno which was suggested during lecture for easy viewing. While working on the map, I was thinking how I could show the impact of slavery on life expectancy, and there weren’t many idividuals above one-hundred, so I choose the 80 to 89 age group.
The map shows that the highest population of slaves in the age group were in southern states, with the highest concentration in Charleston, SC. Whites in the age group were mostly located in the Northeast states. The highest concentration was located in Worcester County, Maryland. In class, we learned that Charleston, South Carolina was the largest slave trade center in America, making sense that the largest population of slaves was centered in this area. The states around Maryland, including New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, had the largest amount of whites between 80-89. This is because it was a part of the 13 colonies and most populated areas of the time. It really shows how New York became one of the largest financial regions of the time and even today. Also, visually how many white men made it to 80-89 compared to the small number of enslaved men. It is easy to see how much the hard work, little food, beating, and other adversities these men endured took a toll on their life expectancy. It can be taught in terms of numbers, however visually, it is shocking and hard to comprehend.
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the process of making your data map– it turned out amazing and I appreciate the effort you put into making this! From a visual standpoint, I think your choice in populations to represent as well as the color scheme definitely reflect strong contrast to the viewer. I completely agree with your analysis as well and I liked reading about the connections you drew to Schermerhorn. In every map I have seen so far, Charleston County is ALWAYS a major hub. It really wasn’t until this project that I fully understood just how central Charleston was to the South. I think you raise very important questions about life expectancy as well, particularly the physical and psychological toll that enslavement takes on one’s health. I really enjoyed learning more about your project, thank you!