Maybe you are intrigued by the idea of “data” but not quite sure what it looks like. Maybe you are embarking on a research project that involves thinking carefully about space. Maybe you just love working with maps.
Any reason will do! Register for the Imperiia Project's Fall Studio and reward yourself with a gentle (and fun!) introduction to working with spatial data as well as an opportunity to dip your toes into the world of climate history. We will be working with maps from the Ice Atlas of the Northern Hemisphere produced by the U.S. Navy in 1946. All you need is a laptop and a willingness to experiment — no knowledge of maritime environments or experience with GIS is required. Each session will last one hour, with an extra half hour for anyone who wants more time with the materials.
Monday's event is the first of a series of five forthcoming workshops. You may register for all or some of the following sessions:
Monday, Sept 9, 4:30-6pm: Spatial Data 101
Sea ice isn't easy to measure, let alone map, so let's start with the basics. What does the data look like? How is it organized? What do we need to do — and know — in order to use it? What, if anything, can we learn from a data table? And what in the world is a "spatial question"? As if that weren't enough, we will dabble in the art of geocoding.
Monday, Sept 23, 4:30-6pm: Map Layers
Maps are anything but flat. We will learn how to identify their layers and unpack the design principles that enabled the U.S. Navy to represent change over time in the Ice Atlas. (Fair warning: This session involves colored pencils.)
Wednesday, Oct 9, 4-5pm: The Map Is the Source
Building on Session 2, we will use web-based tools to extract spatial data from our trusty ice maps. Better yet, we will create data of our own. If the points-lines-polygons triad means nothing to you now, it will by the end of this session.
Wednesday, Oct 23, 4-5pm: Water Is (Not) Blue
Information design is an art and a science. Today we will assemble the data we have been creating and experiment with strategies for storytelling through color, line, symbolization, and scaffolding.
Wednesday, Nov 6, 4-5pm: Open Studio
We will conclude with an open roundtable discussion of our work, our findings, and our frustrations. Fueled by refreshments, of course. Invite your friends!
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Registration is open to any Harvard ID holder, but space is limited; priority will be given to students. Registration confirmation will go out by noon on Sept. 9.
Accessibility
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 617-495-4037 or daviscenter@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance if possible. Please note that the Davis Center will make every effort to secure services but that services are subject to availability.
