1. Making a Spatial Query, Merging, and Joining Data. GIS in Planning and Health

9. The map view shows both Middlesex and Sommerset Counties as well as the 5 mile buffered area surrounding RWJ, NB. To be able to do the analysis, we need to combine (merge) two census tract data layers into one.

11. By merging the two shape files, we created a single shape file which combines both two layers. We can see the attribute tables, and census tract data from Middlesex (FIPSSTCO = 34023) and Somerset (FIPSSTCO = 34035) counties.

12. Go to www.geographynetwork.com and download “Census Tract Demographics (SF1)” data – which is based US 2000 Census. We can see the content of the file by using Excel. The file contains many basic demographic data at the census tract level. Now we need to download and process population data for the census tract layer.

13. Once we have downloaded census tract level demographic data, we need to join the file to our merged census tract layer. By looking at both data files we can tell “STFID” is the key column which can be used for join data because it contains the same Title and information in both datasets

15. This is the outcome of the joined result, we can view demographic data from the attribute of the MIDSOMCT file.

16. By using joined table result, a thematic map based on HISPANIC variable (quantile method) was created.

19. This is the newly calculated result. You can create a thematic map to better display the data visually.

22. Now you can see the selected polygon based on the criteria you selected. Let’s open the attribute table. Those cases highlighted with color are the selected polygons. By clicking the “Selected” button on the attribute table, we can choose to view only the selected variables.

23. Now, we want to export the selected cases, and import them into an Excel format to make a decent table. To export the table result, click “Options” and then click “Export”. Save the new export however you see fit.

24. This is the outcome of the selected polygon in excel format. You can give it a title, neatline and provide additional formatting to make a presentable format. Deliverables: - Map - Table with Selected Polygons