Mapping and Spatial Analysis of Crime- Open Software Edition from Udemy

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as an essential tool for crime analysts. This course will offer students an opportunity to gain skills in using GIS software to apply spatial analysis techniques to criminal justice and criminological research questions.

While this course focuses on the spatial analysis of crime, the tools and techniques learned in the course apply to public health, epidemiolocal, economic, and sociological phenomena.

The course will incorporate diverse learning activities including lectures that provide a conceptual understanding of the tools and techniques, as well as hands-on skills training in the form of labs. Lessons will focus on using QGIS software to make maps, manage spatial data, and conduct rigorous statistical analysis in the exploration of spatially derived research questions. The laboratory section of the course will give students the opportunity for hands-on learning on how to use GIS systems to analyze data and produce maps and reports. These laboratory exercises will be designed to increasingly challenge the students to incorporate the analytic skills and techniques they have learned during the course. Students can download the lab data and follow along. Importantly, I have lab instructions that students can download and use in the future.

Course Requirements:

GIS Software and Data This course relies heavily on QGIS, GeoDa, and SaTScan software.

o Download QGIS 3.16

o Download GeoDa 1.18

o Download SaTScan 9.6

Computer Access Students will need a personal computer or public computer where they can download the software and data.

Prerequisites This course assumes no previous experience in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) or statistics. The basic ability to use a desktop computer and Microsoft Office applications is required.

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Provides opportunity to gain skills in GIS software and spatial analysis techniques for crime analysis

Applies to not only crime analysis, but also public health, epidemiology, economics, and sociology

Incorporates diverse learning activities, including lectures and hands-on labs

Uses QGIS software, which is free and open-source

Provides lab instructions for future reference

Assumes no prior experience in GIS or statistics

Reviews summary

Practical crime spatial analysis with open source gis

Learners say this course offers a strong, practical foundation in GIS for crime analysis, especially commending the hands-on labs using QGIS, GeoDa, and SaTScan. Many appreciate that it's an Open Software Edition, making it highly accessible without software costs. The course is noted for its clear lectures and suitability for beginners with no prior GIS experience, effectively bridging the gap from theoretical concepts to real-world application. Some learners, however, found the software installation process challenging and desired more advanced topics for deeper dives, suggesting a potential split in pacing expectations depending on individual technical readiness.

Utilizes free, open-source software effectively.

"Using QGIS, GeoDa, and SaTScan means I don't have to worry about expensive licenses."

"The focus on open-source tools is a big plus for practical application in many settings."

"It's great to learn tools that are widely available and free to use."

Ideal for those new to GIS or spatial analysis.

"As someone with no GIS background, this course provided a perfect, understandable start."

"I appreciated that no prior experience in GIS or statistics was assumed, making it very accessible."

"The lectures clearly laid out conceptual understanding before moving into practical skills."

Offers excellent practical experience with GIS tools.

"The hands-on lab exercises are the strongest part of this course; I really learned by doing."

"I found the practical application of QGIS and GeoDa in the labs incredibly useful for my work."

"I appreciate being able to download lab data and instructions for future reference."

Learners may face difficulties setting up software.

"I struggled a bit with getting all the required software installed correctly on my system."

"Some of the initial setup steps for QGIS and GeoDa were confusing without more specific guidance."

"It took me longer than expected to get the environment ready before I could start the labs."

Pace might be too fast for some, depth lacking for others.

"While great for beginners, I felt the pace was a bit quick in certain sections for a complete novice."

"For someone with some basic GIS knowledge, I wished there were more advanced analytical methods covered."

"The course provides a solid foundation, but leaves me wanting more in-depth coverage for complex analysis."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mapping and Spatial Analysis of Crime- Open Software Edition with these activities:

Compile course resources

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Enhance your organization and recall by compiling all relevant course materials in one central location.

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Gather lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Organize the materials into folders or a digital notebook.

Join a study group for GIS

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Deepen your understanding of GIS concepts and techniques by engaging in discussions and collaborative learning with peers.

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Find a study group or create one with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Explore QGIS tutorials

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Enhance your proficiency in using QGIS by following online tutorials that provide hands-on guidance.

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Search for QGIS tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course.
Follow the instructions in the tutorials to practice using QGIS.
Experiment with different features and functions of QGIS.

Two other activities

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Develop a GIS workflow for a research question

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Solidify your ability to apply GIS techniques to real-world problems by developing a workflow for a research question.

Browse courses on Spatial Analysis

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Brainstorm a research question that can be addressed using GIS.
Identify the necessary data and sources.
Create a workflow outlining the steps involved in analyzing the data.
Apply the workflow to analyze the data.
Interpret the results and draw conclusions.

Create a GIS map or report

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Demonstrate your proficiency in using GIS by creating a map or report that visualizes and analyzes spatial data.

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Choose a topic or research question.
Collect and prepare the necessary data.
Create a map or report using QGIS or other GIS software.
Analyze the data and interpret the results.

Career center

Learners who complete Mapping and Spatial Analysis of Crime- Open Software Edition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geographic Information Systems Specialist

A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist uses GIS to create and manage geographic data. They also use GIS to analyze spatial data and produce maps and reports. This course can build a strong foundation in GIS software and spatial analysis techniques, which would be valuable for a GIS Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems Specialist

Geospatial Intelligence Analyst

Geospatial Intelligence Analysts use GIS to analyze and visualize geospatial data to support national security and defense objectives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Intelligence Analyst

Law Enforcement Officer

A Law Enforcement Officer uses GIS to analyze crime patterns and trends. They also use GIS to track suspects and plan their routes. While the focus of this course is on the analysis of crime data, the concepts and skills learned can be applied to other areas of law enforcement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Law Enforcement Officer

Public Health Analyst

A Public Health Analyst uses GIS to analyze and visualize public health data. They also use GIS to identify and address public health problems. This course can provide Public Health Analysts with skills in using GIS software and applying spatial analysis techniques to public health research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners use GIS to analyze交通 patterns and trends. They also use GIS to create maps and reports that can be used to plan and improve transportation systems. This course would provide Transportation Planners with essential skills in using GIS software and applying spatial analysis techniques to their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Urban Planner

Urban Planners use GIS to analyze land use and zoning data. They also use GIS to create maps and reports that can be used to plan and develop communities. This course can provide Urban Planners with the skills needed to use GIS software and apply spatial analysis techniques to their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Geographer

Geographers study the physical and human characteristics of the Earth's surface. They use GIS to analyze and visualize spatial data, which can be used to understand a variety of topics, such as land use, climate change, and population distribution. This course would help Geographers develop skills in using GIS software and applying spatial analysis techniques to their research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Surveyor

Surveyors use GIS to create maps and surveys of land. They also use GIS to analyze spatial data and produce reports. This course can provide Surveyors with the skills needed to use GIS software and apply spatial analysis techniques to their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surveyor

Market Researcher

Market Researchers use GIS to analyze market data and identify trends. They also use GIS to create maps and reports that can be used to make informed business decisions. This course would provide Market Researchers with foundational skills in using GIS software and applying spatial analysis techniques to their research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists use GIS to analyze spatial data for disease patterns and other health issues. The skills learned in this course would be immediately applicable to studying disease patterns and trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Agents use GIS to analyze market data and identify trends. They also use GIS to create maps and reports that can be used to inform their clients about the real estate market. This course would introduce Real Estate Agents to the basics of GIS and spatial analysis, which could be useful for understanding market trends and identifying potential clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Agent

Emergency Management Specialist

An Emergency Management Specialist uses GIS to analyze and model disaster risks and vulnerabilities. In addition to analyzing potential disasters, these individuals work to mitigate and prepare for potential disasters. By using this course as a foundation, Emergency Management Specialists can build essential skills in using GIS to better prepare for disasters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Management Specialist

Crime Analyst

A Crime Analyst uses GIS to examine patterns relating to crime incidents. These patterns include characteristics, incidents within a region, and hot spots. Understanding these patterns helps pinpoint causes, identify solutions, and enables better allocation of resources. As a result, this course may be useful for exploring methods of identifying crime patterns through GIS.

See salaries and explore the career path for Crime Analyst

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers use GIS to analyze water resources data. They also use GIS to create maps and reports that can be used to plan and manage water resources. This course may be useful for Water Resources Managers who want to develop skills in using GIS software and applying spatial analysis techniques to their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist focuses on the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the natural environment. In order to achieve this, Environmental Scientists use GIS to study and analyze geographic data related to the environment. This course can help develop a foundation for understanding the use of GIS systems and interpreting spatial data for environmental research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist