Hyperlocal Election Mapping Made Easy
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This document provides instructions for creating election maps by precinct using Depiction mapping software. It outlines the steps to find precinct boundary data and election results data, prepare the data by converting it to CSV format, and then merge the data with the precinct boundaries in Depiction. Colorization is then used to map the results based on variables like vote percentages. The process allows for creating visual election maps at the local precinct level for analysis.
Hyperlocal Election Mapping Made Easy
- 1. Hyperlocal Election Mapping Made Easy Timothy Goddard, Depiction, Inc.
- 2. Election Results by Precinct + Precinct maps _ Election Maps
- 3. • Finding the data • Preparing the data • Merging the data • Colorizing the data
- 4. • Finding the data • Preparing the data • Merging the data • Colorizing the data Using Depiction
- 5. What is Depiction? • Mapping, Simulation & Collaboration Software • Bringing expert-level capabilities (like election mapping) to everyday people • Used in emergency management, real estate, small business and more.
- 6. • Finding the data –This is the hard part! –Two data types: •Map/GIS Data •Election Results
- 7. Finding the Data • Map/GIS Data – “Precincts” or “Voting Districts” – Accessible at the Statewide or County level – Shapefile format – If not available online, try calling
- 9. Finding the Data • Election data – Precinct level results – From different agencies • Statewide – Secretary of state, board of elections • County level – Auditor, clerk, registrar, elections division – Usually not in a spreadsheet format • Which it needs to be! • Best option—call & ask for a spreadsheet or similar document
- 10. • Preparing the data –Turn it into a spreadsheet –Save it as CSV –Different types take different methods
- 11. Preparing Data • Election Result Data Types – Spreadsheets • These are great & easy!
- 12. Preparing Data • Election Result Data Types – Delimited – Paste into Excel – ‘Text to Columns’ Semicolon:
- 13. Preparing Data • Election Result Data Types – HTML Tables • Easiest tool: TableTools extension for FireFox • Copy as tab- delimited text • Paste into Excel
- 14. Preparing Data • Election Result Data Types – More difficult types • Straight Text • Multiple HTML Tables – Copy/Paste the whole thing into Excel – “Slice & Dice” the data
- 15. • Slicing & Dicing – Filtering • To separate out columns • Paste into new sheet
- 16. • Slicing & Dicing – Search & Replace • To remove extraneous information
- 17. • Slicing & Dicing – Text to Columns • To split off extraneous information that isn’t all identical
- 18. • Slicing & Dicing – Do this column by column to build your spreadsheet • Keep everything in its original order! • If necessary, split the precinct number into its own column
- 19. Preparing Data • Preparing GIS Data – Create a new Depiction file – Set the area you want – Import the Shapefile into Depiction • (just drag & drop!)
- 20. • Finishing election data preparation – Be sure to include the precinct number or other unique identifier as a column – Name the unique identifier column “EID” – The EID, or ‘Element ID’ is what will match the precinct shapes to the election information.
- 21. • Add vote percentage columns – Add a column for the one candidate percentages. – Add a formula that calculates the percentage— something like: =B2/(B2+C2) – ‘Fill down’ the entire column – Do the same for the second candidate. Something like: =C2/(B2+C2) – Set the decimal places to desired number (2-4, probably) – Save as CSV and close it.
- 22. • Preparing GIS Data – Find the unique precinct identifier field that matches your voting data • “PRECINCTNUM”,“NUMBER” “Name,” etc • Export it all to GML • Delete the elements
- 23. • Preparing GIS Data – Open the GML in a text editor – Search & replace the precinct field name with EID – Also remove the “description” field – Save the GML delete the .xsd file – Import the GML back into Depiction.
- 24. Merging the Data • Import the CSV – Just drag, drop, and click ‘import’
- 25. Merging the data • Wait for the import to complete – As long as your EIDs match up correctly, the new data should be appended to the precinct elements. – An alert will say nothing was imported, because no new elements were added. – But new fields should be present
- 26. Colorizing the Data • Click “Colorize” • Select “thematic mapping” • Choose one of the percent fields as the property value. • Set the colors, click OK. • You can also use a “Manual range selection” – 0 – 1 for absolute coloring – .499 - .501 for binary “red/blue” coloring – .25 - .75 for more distinct absolute coloring
- 28. Tips & Tricks • Be sure your precinct data is up to date • Be patient when dealing with hundreds or thousands of precincts • Do spot checks to be sure your data is correct – Between original election data & final CSV – Between original election data & final depiction • Set hovertext for the precincts to name and both candidate percentages & total votes • To compare multiple elections, delete the EID field, re-import the GML and repeat merge w/ new data