Data Mapping Vacancies in Baltimore

Abstract

Currently, there is a wealth of data regarding property and vacancy information in Baltimore, but not a publicly cohesive way to access and report it. There exist many private software packages that require a user to log in to access this data, but currently, said software costs general user’s money and/or provides limited features. The goal was to analyze various existing Geographic Information Systems to construct the definitive publicly accessible data mapping tool for viewing and commenting on vacancies in Baltimore. I found that users such as community leaders, lawyers, and community law committees prefer a system that visually combines datatypes in a mapping structure. Property vacancy data in Baltimore city at the moment is scattered; however, information is currently available at several websites. The process of reporting a property vacancy requires users to exit programs and open the public reporting system (311) application, or by calling a 311 operator. Lawyers, community leaders, and nonprofit organizational members preferred a system that could visually display property vacancy information on a map, as well as allow users to report new vacancy information if it’s not currently listed.