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Selected Works of Dr. Michelle M. Thompson, GISP, FRGS
Popular Press
Understanding the Uptown Triangle Neighborhood: Mapping Quality of Life Indicators in the Black Pearl
2015 by University of New Orleans (2015)
  • Michelle M. Thompson, PhD, University of New Orleans
  • Tori Berliner, University of New Orleans
  • Jessi Boney, University of New Orleans
  • Angela De Melo, University of New Orleans
  • Cathleen Campbell, University of New Orleans
  • Anthony Couvillon, University of New Orleans
  • Tarynn Dunn, University of New Orleans
  • Florence Djoleto, University of New Orleans
  • Jennie Garcia, University of New Orleans
  • Kelsea Hundtoft, University of New Orleans
  • Syed Islam, University of New Orleans
  • Reynaldo Johnson, University of New Orleans
  • Taylor Jones, University of New Orleans
  • Matt Loftis, University of New Orleans
  • Travis Martin, University of New Orleans
  • Eric Pate, University of New Orleans
  • Johannes Schmid, University of New Orleans
  • Lindsey Smith, University of New Orleans
  • Nicholas Sorrells, University of New Orleans
  • Kathryn Sullivan, University of New Orleans
  • Deneka Vallius, University of New Orleans
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Abstract

In the spring of 2015, University of New Orleans (UNO) students enrolled in the MURP 4081/5081 course-Applied Geographic Information Systems: Information Technology for the Planning Profession (also known as ‘Applied GIS’) led by Dr. Michelle Thompson. Since 2008 this course has provided students with a blended experience with learning the theory and receiving an introduction to spatial analysis using the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS software then applying this knowledge as GIS Analysts with a non-profit community partner. In the fall of 2014, Dr. Thompson competed to have this course designated as the inaugural Department of Planning and Urban Studies (PLUS) service learning course. By January 2015, Thompson developed a scope of services and formed a partnership with the Uptown Triangle Neighborhood Association (UTNA) to evaluate Quality of Life Indicators limited to the evaluation of property, road, and storm drain conditions. The Uptown Triangle Neighborhood (UTN), which was formerly known as the ‘Black Pearl’, is a triangular shaped neighborhood and is bounded by Street Charles Avenue, Broadway Avenue, and Leake Avenue.

Prior to the UTNA study, Graham Hayes – UTNA Board Member, UT resident, former WhoData Intern and Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies Program’14 graduate, had developed a series of datasets and crowdsourced data through resident and volunteer activities from spring to early fall 2014. The GIS Mapping Analysts collected primary and integrated secondary data to provide the results of their study in this report. Within the same project, a separate team of novice GIS Programming Analysts developed, tested with the GIS Mapping Analysts and deployed a web-enabled data collection application known as the ‘WhoData Map App.’

The goal of this project and the goal of the client, is to create a tool that will empower members of the neighborhood to advocate community involvement in decision making for the Uptown Triangle Neighborhood. It will also provide a strategic resource for members of the community to evaluate future conditions that may impact the quality of life for those that live there.

Keywords
  • Public Participation Geographic Information Systems,
  • Neighborhood Planning,
  • Service Learning
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring May 25, 2015
Citation Information
Michelle M. Thompson, Tori Berliner, Jessi Boney, Angela De Melo, et al.. "Understanding the Uptown Triangle Neighborhood: Mapping Quality of Life Indicators in the Black Pearl" 2015 by University of New Orleans (2015)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michelle_m_thompson/60/