MapTime SF/OAK--a safe place for mapping!

UrbanSim and the Urban Data Science Toolkit: Transportation Network Accessibility Analysis and Location Choice Modeling

This meetup will expose maptimers to the maps of transportation network developed by our friends at UrbanSim ( http://www.urbansim.com/ ). In recent years, UrbanSim has specialized in crafting analytical and simulation tools to help urban communities plan for living in a better future. UrbanSim will introduce maptimers to Python-based open source tools used on the Urban Data Science Toolkit ( https://github.com/UDST ) and apply them in a hackathon to help improve library mapping capabilities.

Maptimers will first be using the following to walk through step-by-step coding demos: 1) UrbanSim ( https://github.com/UDST/urbansim ), a widely used simulation system for supporting planning and analysis of urban development, incorporating the interactions between land use, transportation, the economy, and the environment; 2) UrbanAccess ( https://github.com/UDST/urbanaccess ), a tool to generate integrated transit and pedestrian transportation networks based on open data to compute accessibility metrics; and 3) Pandana ( https://github.com/UDST/pandana ), a fast network accessibility engine for computing accessibility metrics.

Maptime combines an introduction to mapping tools and actual mapping fun, and this meeting is no exception. In the demos we will: 1) learn about the complexities of transit networks and examine multi-modal accessibility using UrbanAccess and Pandana; and 2) use UrbanSim to simulate and analyze household and firm location choice.

After the demos, Maptimers will be lead in a hackathon to add new mapping capabilities to open source libraries used to visualize transit networks, accessibility metrics, and simulation results. Use your favorite plotting/mapping library or try a new one!

Before the meetup, we suggest you take them time install the Anaconda python distribution ( https://www.continuum.io/downloads ) . Previous Python programming experience is not required or expected.

About MapTime

Maptime is, rather literally, time for mapmaking and talking about maps. Our June meetup will focus on urban transit, once again, this time with special attention to UrbanAccess transit network and using Pandana accessibility tools. As always, we welcome all levels of skill. Our mission is to open the doors of cartographic possibility to anyone interested by creating a time and space for collaborative learning, exploration, and map creation using mapping tools and technologies. The open learning environment for all levels and degrees of knowledge offers intentional support for the beginner.

Maptime is simultaneously flexible and structured, creating space for workshops and for independent/collaborative work time, and includes substantial time for mapmaking and work on your own projects. Bring your interest in mapping, and well supply some cool activities for group focus. Inspiration for Maptime comes from both hack nights and knitting circles, and discussing new mapping tools, and a space for people to create and learn together. Our goal is to provide a safe space for mapping with an open heart and without pretension. We hope you bring your own projects to work on, or just hang out and socialize or ask questions. Some people are experts, and some people are just getting started, but all of us are learning--which it's always best to do together!