Jessie Braden
Spatial Analysis and Visualization Initiative
Anthony Buissereth
North Brooklyn Neighbors
The ToxiCity Map
http://nag-brooklyn.org/toxicity-map/
Gallery Project Statement
The NAG Greenpoint-Williamsburg ToxiCity Map is an interactive map of toxic “hot spots” in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Data used to compile this map came from city, state and federal sources, guided by on-the-ground knowledge from local activists. The map contains data to help residents and activists understand neighborhood trends such as population density, asthma hospital visits, and locate some specific sites such as former NuHart Plastics factory and the Exxon oil spill. Sites that have already been remediated and sites that require future remediation are included on this map.
This map was originally developed in 2014, built collaboratively between the Spatial Analysis and Visualization Initiative (SAVI), North Brooklyn Neighbors (at the time NAG, Neighbors Allied for Good Growth), and funding from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
It should be noted that a second version of this map and concept are under development to address the continuity and update of data to more effectively communicate information as it relates to NBN’s current campaigns. The new map will provide an intuitive user interface that community members and stakeholders can use to not only keep up with NBN’s campaigns but participate in the currency of information. Logging data and submitted user experiences, NBN will be able to modify content of this map to respond directly to community input.
NBN hopes that this project will help the community better understand the environmental concerns in the area they live in and ultimately to improve the health and well-being of the community by motivating and empowering community members to be more engaged in their local governing and policy-making process.
GIS and interactive mapping consultation was from the Spatial Analysis and Visualization Initiative (SAVI) at Pratt Institute. The mapping platform for this project was generously donated through CartoDB.