Getting Started
OVERVIEW - Site Organization
This website has been organized to help you to access, manipulate, analyze, understand, and use data to make informed plans and decisions for creating strong neighborhoods in Baltimore city. You can find information organized by one specific geographic location or aggregated to a citywide level.
You can start examing data from a neighborhood or a citywide view
ON LEFT OF EACH PAGE
On the left of each page is a map of Baltimore City that can be used to access neighborhood and Community Statistical Area (CSA) data and maps. You can search by either selecting a CSA from the map or typing in the name of a specific neighborhood. Your neighborhood is a part of a CSA that also includes other neighborhoods.
ON RIGHT OF EACH PAGE
On the right of each page you can access the Citywide Vital Signs reports and data by chapter. This section contains both data and charts at the city level. You can a download the full Vital Signs report (.pdf), an Executive Summary (PowerPoint) and a Baltimore City Profile (.pdf). For each chapter, there is also a downloadable report that provides analysis of the data and tables with all CSAs provided.
THE CENTER OF EACH PAGE
The center of pages varies by the section of the website. You might find either neighborhood or CSA profiles, data of Vital Signs indicators, definitions and sources of data, maps, or other information that can be used for a variety of purposes. All information can be downloaded.
HELP CENTER provides direct access to assistance finding and using data.There are a few ways to get help on this website.
Getting Started provided an overview of the website. FAQs answers frequently asked quetions. You can also get help by using Ask BNIA-JFI, or by contacting BNIA-JFI and its staff directly by phone or email.
RELATED RESOURCE points you to other similar sources of information.
TYPES OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE :
Information |
Format |
Downloadable? |
|
Reports and publications |
|
Yes |
|
Tables |
|
Yes |
|
Tables |
MS Excel 97-2003 |
Yes |
|
Charts |
|
Yes |
|
Links to related resources |
HTML |
No |
USING THE DATA ON THIS SITE
Data provided by BNIA-JFI can be used for a variety of purposes, these uses include:
- Identify the key issues you want to impact;
- Decide if you want to start by examining data for a specific area or citywide;
- Analyze Vital Signs indicators to help you understand past trends;
- Read reports and explore related resources to gain more context from the data;
- Share your findings to expand your thinking; and
- Plan strategies that impact long-term change.
BNIA-JFI encourages any person, organization, agency, community group, or foundation that uses our data to contact us and share with us how they use the data provided by BNIA-JFI or what information you would like us to provide. Please share this information by Contacting Us.
UNDERSTANDING TERMS
Some of the terminolgy used on this site will be familiar to you while other terms may be used in ways that are new to you. Getting comfortable with the terms will help you make the most of your time spent on this website. Find a list of commonly used terms here.
USING TABLES
Tables are used to display Vital Signs data and indicators.
USING CHARTS
Charts are provided to aid in visually seeing trends in data and indicators. They are provided so that they can be used for presentations, reports, or other uses.
USING MAPS
A variety of maps are provided by BNIA-JFI, including CSA/neighborhood maps, asset maps, and indicator maps in the Map Gallery. Like charts and graphs, maps can provide a visual representation of data and information in a spatial context. Maps on this website can be downloaded and used for a variety of puposes.
APPLYING FOR GRANTS
Vital Signs data can be used in applying for grants. Vital Signs indicators can also be used to track the performance of programs and initiatives. Maps, charts, and data on this website can all be used in applications for grants, research proposals, or for various studies.
CENSUS DATA
BNIA-JFI provides Census data for several reasons. First, the Bureau of the Census is recognized for providing detailed and important information collected about residents living within an area. Second, since the Census is a recognized and accepted source, the data is used to normalize data to create rates and percentages. Finally, Census data is used for a variety of purposes including: research studies, grant applications, and in making local governmental decisions, such as planning transportation systems and roadways.
