URISA is pleased to announce that URISA Member and industry leader, Mark Salling, will present his webinar, Redistricting in Ohio Enhanced by Public Participation GIS. This URISA Connect Event will expand on his article, Public Participation Geographic Information Systems for Redistricting - A Case Study in Ohio, which was published in the most recent issue of the URISA Journal.
Every ten years, following the release of Census data in the United States, each state’s legislature begins the process of redistricting, by which census data is used to redraw the lines and boundaries of electoral districts within a state. The purpose of redistricting is to adjust for population changes to ensure continued equal representation This process affects districts at all levels of government undefined from local school boards and city councils to state legislatures and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Redistricting determines political representation for the decade to come. In preparation for the release of the 2010 Census data, the State of Ohio tested the feasibility and merits of using a public participation GIS (PPGIS) redistricting system to develop alternative district plans aimed at meeting several objectives concerning fair and competitive elections.
This educational webinar will present an overview and basic information about state legislative and congressional redistricting, with an emphasis on how GIS data and software are used. It will not be a software training session.
The session will cover concepts that reflect the purpose of the redistricting process, including the principle of one person - one vote, the Voting Rights Act, and the several objectives of ensuing fair representation such as compactness, competition, communities of interest, and representational fairness.
During this event, we'll discuss:
Database development and issues of accuracy
The use of GIS in Public Participation redistricting
Examples from Ohio, with mention of how states differ in how boundaries are drawn.
Title: Redistricting in Ohio Enhanced by Public Participation GIS
Presenter: Mark Salling, Ph.D., GISP
When: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Time: 1 PM ET/ 10 AM PT
Duration is one hour
Fees: $20 for URISA Members/ $35 for non-members
Click here to register