Author: Tristian C. Schmidt, The Pennsylvania State University
Abstract: In this blog post, we embark on a journey through the vast landscape of geospatial data, focusing on the transformative potential of PolicyMap, a powerful mapping and analytics platform accessible through the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Geoportal. PolicyMap is accessible through Penn State University Libraries Database subscriptions. By walking through a step-by-step example of analyzing the relationship between key demographic variables and electoral outcomes in the 2022 U.S. House of Representatives elections, we demonstrate how PolicyMap can help uncover hidden patterns and insights that traditional methods might overlook.
We also explore the broader intersection of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and political science, highlighting the growing importance of spatial thinking in understanding complex political phenomena. Along the way, we introduce readers to additional resources available, such as the BTAA Geoportal, Esri Business Analyst Web App, SimplyAnalytics, and Social Explorer, which can further enrich their research and analysis. By the end of this post, readers will not only gain practical skills in using Policy Map but also a deeper appreciation for the power of geospatial perspectives in political science research.
In this blog post, I want to focus on one resource. PolicyMap – and show how it can enhance understanding for students and researchers in political science. By harnessing the power of geospatial analysis, we can gain new insights into electoral trends, demographic shifts, and policy impacts that would be difficult to discern from raw data alone.
Discovering PolicyMap through BTAA Big Ten Geoportal
The BTAA Big Ten Geoportal is a rich resource for geospatial data. To access PolicyMap, start by navigating to the BTAA Big Ten Geoportal homepage. Once there, locate the search bar and type in “PolicyMap” as one word. After entering your search term, take a look at the results that appear and click on the first option. For instance, this is an example title related to Economy data from PolicyMap.
What is PolicyMap?
PolicyMap is a powerful web-based platform that enables users to visualize and analyze a vast array of demographic, socioeconomic, health, housing, and other domains of data through interactive maps and reports. With an extensive library of over 50,000 indicators from hundreds of public and proprietary sources, PolicyMap provides unparalleled insights into the social, economic, and environmental factors shaping communities across the United States.
One of PolicyMap’s greatest strengths is its ability to display data at various geographic scales, from the state and county level down to zip codes, census tracts, and even specific addresses. This granularity allows researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to examine spatial patterns and disparities often obscured in aggregate statistics. By layering multiple indicators on the same map, users can explore the complex interplay between different variables and identify areas of concern or opportunity.
The potential applications of PolicyMap span a wide range of academic and applied fields. In public health, epidemiologists can map the prevalence of chronic diseases alongside data on food access, green space, and poverty to better understand the social determinants of health. Urban planners can use PolicyMap to assess housing affordability, transportation access, and environmental hazards when developing neighborhood revitalization strategies. Political scientists can analyze voting patterns, demographic shifts, and redistricting plans to study electoral dynamics and representation.
In the following sections, we will walk through a step-by-step guide on using PolicyMap to analyze the relationship between demographic variables and electoral outcomes in the 2022 U.S. House of Representatives elections. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a solid foundation in navigating the platform, layering data, and interpreting spatial patterns to derive meaningful insights.
Using PolicyMap for Political Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide
To demonstrate the utility of PolicyMap for political analysis, let’s walk through a specific example: analyzing the relationship between key demographic variables and electoral outcomes in the 2022 U.S. House of Representatives elections. The variables selected for this analysis have been carefully chosen based on their relevance to political science research and their potential to provide meaningful insights into electoral trends.
Step 1: Define the Geographic Boundaries
For this analysis, we will focus on the U.S. 118th Congressional Districts within Pennsylvania, as well as the state’s county boundaries. Congressional districts are the primary electoral units for U.S. House elections, while counties play a vital role in administering state and local elections. By examining electoral outcomes at both the congressional district and county levels, we can identify patterns and trends that might be obscured when looking at larger geographic units.
To provide a clear visual context, we will also include the Pennsylvania state boundary in our maps. This will help users understand the spatial relationships between congressional districts, counties, and the state. By incorporating these different geographic units, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing electoral outcomes and how they vary across different scales of analysis within Pennsylvania.
Step 2: Utilize Policy Map’s Multilayer Functionality
PolicyMap’s ability to overlay multiple datasets on the same map is a powerful tool for visualizing the relationships between different variables and identifying potential correlations. By activating this feature, we will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing electoral outcomes.
Step 3: Incorporate Key Demographic Layers
The following demographic variables have been selected for their relevance to political science research and their potential to shed light on electoral trends:
- Margin of Victory: This variable measures the difference in vote share between the winning candidate and the runner-up in each congressional district race. It provides insight into the competitiveness of each election and can help identify districts where outcomes were particularly close or decisive. In political science, margin of victory is often used as a proxy for electoral competition and can illuminate factors contributing to a candidate’s success or failure.
- Voting Eligible Population (VEP) Turnout Rate: VEP is a more precise measure of the potential electorate compared to the Voting Age Population (VAP), as it excludes individuals who are ineligible to vote, such as non-citizens and felons. By using VEP turnout rates, we can more accurately assess levels of political engagement across districts. Shading turnout rates by state allows for easy comparison of participation levels across different geographic regions.
- Educational Attainment: Education is a key variable in political science research, as it has been shown to influence political knowledge, engagement, and participation. The percentage of the population with bachelor’s degrees is a commonly used measure, as higher education has been linked to increased incomes, political sophistication, and involvement. By including this layer, we can investigate whether districts with higher levels of educational attainment exhibit different voting patterns or turnout rates.
- Male to Female Ratio: The gender composition of a district can provide valuable insights into potential differences in political preferences and behavior between men and women. Political science research has consistently shown a gender gap in voting, with women tending to support Democratic candidates at higher rates than men. This demographic factor is particularly significant for the upcoming Presidential election in November 2024. According to current polling data and recent shifts in party affiliation, the male-to-female ratio in each district will likely play a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes. By examining this ratio, analysts can better understand how gender dynamics influence voting patterns and potentially predict election results.
- Median Household Income: Median household income serves as a crucial indicator in understanding a district’s economic landscape and its potential impact on voting patterns. This measure is more accurate than average income in representing a district’s economic well-being, as it is less skewed by extreme outliers. Consequently, it provides a better understanding of the economic conditions faced by the typical voter in each district. Political science research has consistently shown that income levels can significantly influence voting behavior. Higher-income voters often exhibit different political preferences and participation rates compared to lower-income voters. These differences can manifest in various ways, such as: Party affiliation, economic policy preferences, voter turnout rates, & engagement with specific campaign issues. By analyzing median household income data, political analysts and campaign strategists can gain valuable insights into the economic factors that may shape electoral outcomes in different districts.
Step 4: Ensure Proper Data Representation
To effectively communicate electoral outcomes and allow users to easily identify patterns and trends, it is essential to ensure proper shading and data representation for the 118th Congressional Districts layer. This can be achieved by selecting appropriate color schemes and classification methods that clearly visualize the margin of victory and other key variables.
By following these steps and carefully selecting relevant demographic variables, researchers can use PolicyMap to create a comprehensive, multi-layered map that reveals patterns and correlations between socioeconomic factors and electoral results. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between demographics and political behavior, providing valuable insights for political scientists, policymakers, and engaged citizens alike.
The Intersection of GIS and Political Science
In the realm of political science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as an indispensable tool, revolutionizing the way we analyze and visualize spatial data. By seamlessly integrating diverse datasets based on geographic location, GIS empowers researchers to unearth hidden patterns and relationships that are crucial for deciphering the complexities of electoral behavior and policy impacts.
PolicyMap is a valuable tool for evaluating the equity and effectiveness of public policies. By visualizing the spatial distribution of policy outcomes, such as health indicators or access to public services, alongside political boundaries and demographic data, researchers can assess whether policies are reaching their intended beneficiaries and identify areas where targeted interventions may be needed.
One of the most promising applications of GIS lies in the domain of electoral geography. By mapping variables such as voter turnout, demographics, and party affiliation, researchers can gain novel insights into the spatial dimensions of political participation and representation. This proves particularly valuable for understanding intriguing phenomena like the urban-rural divide in voting patterns or the nefarious impacts of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words – and a well-crafted GIS map can speak volumes about the state of our republic.
As the political world becomes increasingly data-driven, the ability to leverage GIS for spatial analysis is becoming an essential skill for researchers, policymakers, and advocates alike. Those who can harness the power of geospatial data to generate insights and communicate compelling stories will be the ones shaping the future of our political landscape.
The Future of Political Science: Geospatial Perspectives
The BTAA Geoportal, and PolicyMap in particular, offers an accessible entry point for students and faculty looking to incorporate geospatial perspectives into their political science research. With its extensive data library and user-friendly interface, PolicyMap enables users to quickly visualize and analyze spatial patterns, without requiring advanced technical skills.
Geospatial analysis is becoming increasingly crucial in political science research, as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of political phenomena by revealing spatial patterns and relationships that might not be apparent through traditional methods. By incorporating GIS and spatial analysis, researchers can uncover hidden trends, identify areas of concern, and develop more targeted and effective policy solutions.
As you embark on your own political research journey, I encourage you to explore the resources available through the BTAA Geoportal and experiment with using PolicyMap to examine your questions of interest. Whether you’re studying voter turnout, demographic change, or policy impacts, a geospatial lens can offer valuable new insights. For example, with the upcoming general election in November, you could use PolicyMap to analyze the spatial distribution of voter preferences, identify potential swing districts, and explore the relationship between demographic factors and electoral outcomes.
By developing proficiency in GIS and spatial analysis, you’ll be well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to political discourse and to pursue impactful careers in fields like campaign strategy, policy analysis, and academic research. The spatial perspective is a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of modern politics – and with resources like the BTAA Geoportal at your fingertips, there’s never been a better time to start exploring.
We encourage you to share your experiences, insights, and questions as you delve into the world of geospatial analysis for political research. By fostering a community of engaged learners and researchers, we can collectively advance our understanding of political processes and work towards more informed and equitable decision-making.
Additional Resources
Penn State offers several other valuable resources for political research, including Esri Business Analyst Web App; which provides access to demographic, business, and consumer spending data that can inform campaign strategies and policy decisions; SimplyAnalytics (accessible through the Libraries Databases), a platform that allows users to create thematic maps, rankings and reports using extensive demographic, business, and marketing data; and Social Explorer (accessible through the Libraries Databases), a tool for visualizing and exploring demographic information and creating interactive maps.
For those interested in learning more about GIS and spatial analysis in political science research, the BTAA Geoportal provides a range workshops, and support resources. Additionally, Penn State University offers courses and programs in GIS and spatial analysis, as well as opportunities for collaboration and mentorship with faculty experts in these fields. Relevant examples related to geospatial information and social science case studies can be located in the Maps and Geospatial: Case Study Applications Across Disciplines, Liberal Arts examples.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to express gratitude to the Big Ten Academic Alliance and Penn State University for providing access to the invaluable resources available through the BTAA Geoportal. Special thanks to the developers and maintainers of PolicyMap, Esri Business Analyst Web App, SimplyAnalytics, and Social Explorer for creating powerful tools that are transforming the way we conduct political science research. The author also acknowledges the support and guidance of faculty mentors, professors, and colleagues who have fostered a passion for exploring the intersection of geospatial analysis and political science.
About the Author
Tristian C. Schmidt is a Political Science student at Penn State University specializing in international relations, nuclear theory, and the impact of emerging technologies on geopolitics. As Vice President of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) chapter at Penn State, Tristian demonstrates his commitment to arms control and non-proliferation. He also works at the Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information, further developing his skills in geospatial analysis and data visualization.
Tristian’s coursework and research explore the stability-instability paradox and its unclear implications for nuclear deterrence in the modern era. He is particularly focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape the geopolitical landscape and global security dynamics. Upon graduation, Tristian aspires to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) junior program in Vienna before pursuing a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. There, he will apply his expertise to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and contribute to global peace and stability in an increasingly complex global environment.
With expertise in geospatial analysis, data visualization, and an understanding of AI’s impact on geopolitics, Tristian is uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to international relations. His leadership skills will undoubtedly lead to success in navigating the complex intersection of nuclear theory, AI, and global security.
Share Your Experiences
We want to hear from you! If you have experience using PolicyMap, Esri Business Analyst Web App, SimplyAnalytics, Social Explorer, or other GIS tools for political science research, share your insights and stories in the comments below or reach out to the author directly. By exchanging ideas, we can collectively advance our understanding of political processes and work towards more informed decision-making.