Web publication of data

Prepared thematic maps of urban indicators will be published on the World Wide Web (the "web") using ArcIMS, taking into account the need for confidentiality of selected data items at certain spatial resolutions. Partner universities will provide instructions to the VCU team on issues involving data security and confidentiality.

Completion of web-based training modules

The design of the procedures in the training materials plan has taken into account the need for simple straightforward approaches for users that can be re-learned as staff changes occur. We plan to complete the training materials and user interfaces, which then will be translated into Chinese and Spanish. Our goal is to develop web publishing tools and training materials that are understandable and can be implemented by colleagues at a remote site in a non-English-speaking environment.

Evaluation and disaggregation of indicator data

Using the data infrastructure already built, we hope to continue the collection of data through time, model of causes and effects, and monitor results. Specifically, for Shanghai, land use data of different years are for different study areas and of different scales, we are yet to be able to show a consistent historical trend in land use. In the next phase of the project, we plan to convert between map scales and disaggregate categories of land use to at least district level. The latter would allow us to compare land use patterns in different districts and link them with changes in demographic and employment structure.

Monitoring demographic trends and spatial patterns

For Shanghai, with the likely publication of the 2000 census data, we plan to map out the spatial distribution of migrants in the metropolitan area based on their residence at the subdistrict level. Migrant spatial distribution patterns will then be compared to spatial distribution patterns of the resident population and employment activities. This will provide substantial assistance to local policy-makers.

Projection of service delivery

For Guatemala City, we hope to construct a better index system of vulnerability for sub-city areas and particularly for squatter settlements. Based on this system, we plan to advise analytical methods to project service needs.