CARTO Case Studies Mapping Segregation: MIT’s Atlas of Inequality

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	Mapping Segregation: MIT’s Atlas of Inequality CARTO

Mapping Segregation: MIT’s Atlas of Inequality

CARTO

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Machine Learning Sensors - Lidar & Lazer Scanners
Applicable Industries	Cities & Municipalities Retail
Applicable Functions	Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Smart City Operations Smart Lighting
Challenge	The challenge revolves around understanding the social segregation in cities, particularly in the United States. The traditional understanding of segregation is based on geographical locations, often characterized by the stark contrast between rich and poor areas within close proximity. However, this perspective fails to consider the 'why' behind segregation, focusing solely on the 'where'. The challenge is to challenge this traditional notion of segregation by using high-frequency location data to understand the reasons behind segregation. The data gathered from 11 of the most populated metropolitan areas in the US revealed that on average, around 75% of the people we interact with daily live more than 15 kilometers away. This suggests that to understand segregation, we need to go beyond geographical locations and start considering the reasons behind it. Read More
About Customer	The customer in this case study is the general public, particularly those living in urban areas. The Atlas of Inequality is a tool that can be used by anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of social segregation in cities. It can be particularly useful for urban planners, policymakers, and social scientists who are interested in addressing issues of inequality and segregation. The tool can also be used by businesses to understand the demographics of the areas they operate in and make informed decisions about where to open new locations. Read More
Solution	The solution to this challenge was the development of the Atlas of Inequality, an online tool that maps 1.2 million points of interest in cities, such as restaurants, universities, etc. Each point is colored according to the inequality of the place, which is determined by how uneven the distribution of incomes of the people visiting that place is. The Atlas of Inequality provides a more nuanced understanding of segregation, showing that it is not just about where people live, but also about the places they visit and the choices they make. For instance, the type of food people prefer can influence the segregation they experience, with Latin American and fast-food restaurants being the most segregated. The Atlas also revealed that the opening of a single business can impact inequality in an area. For example, the opening of Eataly, a restaurant in the Prudential Center in Boston, decreased the total segregation of the area by 10%. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Machine Learning

Sensors - Lidar & Lazer Scanners

Applicable Industries

Cities & Municipalities

Retail

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Smart City Operations

Smart Lighting

Challenge

The challenge revolves around understanding the social segregation in cities, particularly in the United States. The traditional understanding of segregation is based on geographical locations, often characterized by the stark contrast between rich and poor areas within close proximity. However, this perspective fails to consider the 'why' behind segregation, focusing solely on the 'where'. The challenge is to challenge this traditional notion of segregation by using high-frequency location data to understand the reasons behind segregation. The data gathered from 11 of the most populated metropolitan areas in the US revealed that on average, around 75% of the people we interact with daily live more than 15 kilometers away. This suggests that to understand segregation, we need to go beyond geographical locations and start considering the reasons behind it.

About Customer

The customer in this case study is the general public, particularly those living in urban areas. The Atlas of Inequality is a tool that can be used by anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of social segregation in cities. It can be particularly useful for urban planners, policymakers, and social scientists who are interested in addressing issues of inequality and segregation. The tool can also be used by businesses to understand the demographics of the areas they operate in and make informed decisions about where to open new locations.

Solution

The solution to this challenge was the development of the Atlas of Inequality, an online tool that maps 1.2 million points of interest in cities, such as restaurants, universities, etc. Each point is colored according to the inequality of the place, which is determined by how uneven the distribution of incomes of the people visiting that place is. The Atlas of Inequality provides a more nuanced understanding of segregation, showing that it is not just about where people live, but also about the places they visit and the choices they make. For instance, the type of food people prefer can influence the segregation they experience, with Latin American and fast-food restaurants being the most segregated. The Atlas also revealed that the opening of a single business can impact inequality in an area. For example, the opening of Eataly, a restaurant in the Prudential Center in Boston, decreased the total segregation of the area by 10%.

Impact #1	The Atlas of Inequality provides a more nuanced understanding of social segregation in cities. It goes beyond the traditional focus on geographical locations and considers the choices people make and the places they visit. This approach provides a more comprehensive picture of segregation, revealing that it is not just about where people live, but also about their behaviors and choices. This understanding can inform policies and interventions aimed at reducing segregation and inequality. For instance, businesses can use this information to decide where to open new locations, potentially contributing to reducing segregation in certain areas. Furthermore, the Atlas can help individuals understand the dynamics of their cities and make more informed decisions about where to live and which places to visit.

Impact #1

The Atlas of Inequality provides a more nuanced understanding of social segregation in cities. It goes beyond the traditional focus on geographical locations and considers the choices people make and the places they visit. This approach provides a more comprehensive picture of segregation, revealing that it is not just about where people live, but also about their behaviors and choices. This understanding can inform policies and interventions aimed at reducing segregation and inequality. For instance, businesses can use this information to decide where to open new locations, potentially contributing to reducing segregation in certain areas. Furthermore, the Atlas can help individuals understand the dynamics of their cities and make more informed decisions about where to live and which places to visit.

Benefit #1	Atlas of Inequality maps 1.2 million points of interest in cities.
Benefit #2	75% of the people we interact with daily live more than 15 kilometers away.
Benefit #3	The opening of a single business, Eataly, decreased the total segregation of the area by 10%.

Benefit #1

Atlas of Inequality maps 1.2 million points of interest in cities.

Benefit #2

75% of the people we interact with daily live more than 15 kilometers away.

Benefit #3

The opening of a single business, Eataly, decreased the total segregation of the area by 10%.

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Overview

Mapping Segregation: MIT’s Atlas of Inequality

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit