fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONs
WHAT ARE THE VITAL SIGNS?
The Vital Signs are outcome indicators that "take the pulse" of Baltimore neighborhoods to measure progress towards a shared vision for strong Baltimore neighborhoods, improved quality of life, and a thriving city over time. BNIA-JFI tracks these outcome indicators each year, and trains various groups and individuals on using these indicators to enhance their work toward long term change. Vital Signs offer Baltimore a common way of understanding how
our neighborhoods and overall quality of life are changing over
time. Read more
WHAT IS AN OUTCOME INDICATOR?
An outcome indicator is an indicator of the desired condition or result. Outcome indicators are used to understand the progress toward the overall outcome.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD OUTCOME INDICATOR?
Outcome indicators are selected based on how well they meet two criteria - Usefullness to the Community and Data Quality. Read more...
WHERE DOES BNIA-JFI GET THE DATA USED IN THE VITAL SIGNS?
Data for Vital Signs indicators come from many different groups bbotth within and outside of Baltimore City including: government agencies, neighborhood groups, non-profit organizations, Federal resources such as the U.S. Census, and commercial sources. Because the data is obtained by BNIA-JFI, sources of data may change due to cancellation of data collection by data provider, change in how data is collected, cost of data, or availability of new data sources. As a result, sources for several indicators have changed since the initial publication of Vital Signs 1 in an attempt by BNIA-JFI to ensure the most accurate representation of changes available. A complete list of sources for each indicator is available for each Vital Signs publication found in our Vital Signs section.
HOW IS THE ACCURACY OF THE DATA VERIFIED?
The data providers in the Alliance have developed data handling standards for quality control and documentation purposes. BNIA-JFI staff also check data items and are extremely careful to properly document any errors or additional considerations for each data item. Because much of the data is aggregated from address level-data, geocoding standards are also in place.
HOW IS THE CONSISTENCY OF THE DATA MAINTAINED?
BNIA-JFI has gone to great lengths to maintain consistency in the sources and time series of the indicators and data collected; however over time some of the indicators tracked by BNIA-JFI have changed. These changes are the result of several reasons including: data no longer being collected or maintained by data providers; a change in the geographic level of the data being collected; cost of the data purchased by BNIA-JFI; or availability of new data sources. Changes in data for Vital Signs 9 are listed in Vital Signs 9 Changes and Explanations.
HOW OFTEN ARE THE VITAL SIGNS UPDATED?
Vital Signs data are continously updated throughout the year and are improved upon. Due to a lag in time between when data is available, when it is analyzed, and when it is publically available, some data or indicators may be more recent or current than other indicators. To learn more about what data is currently available, please contact BNIA-JFI staff.
WHAT TYPES OF GEOGRAPHIES DO THE VITAL SIGNS COVER?
The Vital Signs are mainly available at 3 levels: Citywide, Community Statistical Area (CSA), and census tract. Certain Vital Signs indicators are only available at the zip code or City level.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CENSUS TRACT, A NEIGHBORHOOD AND A CSA?
- Census tracts are designated geographical areas used by the Census Bureau to track populations. They are small, relatively permanent statistical subdivisions of a county and are designed to be homogeneous units with respect to population characteristics, economic status, and living conditions. Census tracts average about 4,000 inhabitants.
- The term neighborhood can have different meanings and usually combines some geographic and social aspects. Baltimore has more than 270 Neighborhood Statistical Areas (NSAs) that are typically geographic areas with some distinctive features. They are defined by both the City Planning Department and the local residents, however the boundaries defined by residents are often more fluid than those defined by the city.
- CSAs are clusters of neighborhoods and are organized around Census tract boundaries, which are consistent statistical boundaries. In some cases, CSA boundaries may cross neighborhood boundaries. There are currently 55 CSAs in Baltimore City. For an Excel file detailing which tracts are in each CSA, click here.
WHY DOES BNIA-JFI USE CSAs?
BNIA-JFI uses the 55 Community Statistical Areas (CSAs) to present a wide range of data from multiple sources as well as providing data for Baltimore City in a consistent way over time. Clustering neighborhoods into CSAs was necessary since most of the 270+ neighborhoods in Baltimore City do not have boundaries that fall along census tracts. As the city changes, Baltimore residents may shift their neighborhood's boundaries or even change its name. Neighborhood lines often do not fall along CSA boundaries but CSAs are a consistent representation of the conditions occurring within particular neighborhoods.
HOW DO CSAs AFFECT NEIGHBORHOOD DATA?
The best way to find data on your neighborhood is to use the Planning Department's name for the area of the city you are researching. You can then view the data for the CSA in which that neighborhood is located.
Sometimes a neighborhood will span more than one CSA. A CSA will usually include more than one neighborhood. When analyzing CSA data, consider whether or not it encompasses neighborhoods with very different demographics.
HOW DOES INFORMATION ON THIS SITE RELATE TO CENSUS DATA?
Rates reported as a function of population in Vital Signs use data available through the U.S. Census to normalize each year. Many indicators reported in Vital Signs come from 2000 Census Data and are updated yearly at the City level through the American Community Survey or other commercial sources, such as Claritas.
DOES BNIA-JFI PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICES OTHER THAN THE PUBLICATION OF VITAL SIGNS?
Yes, BNIA-JFI collaborates with many city and neighborhood organizations to perform numerous social and economic studies for the City of Baltimore. Examples of these analyses can be found in our Publications and Research section. For a description of the services provided by BNIA-JFI please visit the Our Services section.
Because of its use of Geographic Information Systems, BNIA-JFI is also capable of producing specialized maps for available data that enables further analysis of data sets at a geographic level not available by simply looking at raw data. Examples of maps created by BNIA-JFI can be found in the Map Gallery. To find out more information on the availability of maps or to request a map of available data please Contact Us.
CAN I OBTAIN ADDITIONAL DATA OR DATA AT DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC LEVELS NOT PUBLISHED IN VITAL SIGNS?
Most data available through Vital Signs are available through BNIA-JFI at additional levels not included in Vital Signs including Census Tract and Zip Code. Some indicators, however, are only available as reported in Vital Signs at the zip code level and are not available in other forms. BNIA-JFI also maintains a large data inventory not analyzed in its Vital Signs publication that may be available upon request. Staff members may also assist in locating data not currently available through BNIA-JFI.
HOW DOES BNIA-JFI TAKE ADDRESS LEVEL DATA AND AGGREGATE TO DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIES?
BNIA-JFI uses a process known as geocoding through the ESRI product ArcGis. Geocoding is the process of taking address data and projecting those addresses into a virtual map. When addresses are selected in ArcGis to geocode, they are assigned a location (latitude and longitude) based on the rate of matching. Once a data set has been geocoded, BNIA-JFI can then join the projected data to different geographic levels. Doing this allows analysis of totals and rates for indicators within the given geographic areas as well as the ability to visually represent the raw data set. All geocoding done by BNIA-JFI follows standards set by ESRI.
CAN ADDITIONAL MAPS, LIKE THOSE FOUND ON THIS SITE, BE PRODUCED BY BNIA-JFI? CAN I REQUEST SPECIFIC MAPS?
Yes, BNIA-JFI has the ability to produce various types of maps using the various types of data available. Maps can be made to analyze many different levels of geography including State, City, CSA, Census Tract, Census Block, Zip Code, and address level. For additional information on available maps or to request a map please Contact Us.
HOW CAN I GET HELP USING THE VITAL SIGNS?
For assistance, please call (410) 837-6651 or e-mail BNIA-JFI at bnia-jfi@ubalt.edu. You can also request information by filling out a request at Contact Us.
CAN OUR ORGANIZATIONS PARTNER WITH BNIA-JFI?
BNIA-JFI includes multiple partners, including data providers, community building groups, foundations, neighborhoods and many more. We seek to bring together the resources of strategic partners and place them in a neighborhood context. Several of these groups contribute their time and effort to develop the core functions of BNIA-JFI. BNIA-JFI benefits from a wide variety of stakeholders and partners. We encourage anyone interested in contacting us and discussing how we can partner together.
ARE THERE OTHER CITIES THAT DO SIMILAR WORK?
BNIA-JFI was a founding member of the Community Indicators Consortium, a growing network of communities, individuals, and international groups interested in furthering the field of developing community indicators systems for use in measure progress toward long term results for change. Currently there are over 400 member cities.
BNIA-JFI is also a member of the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership, a network of over 33 cities that have statistical data systems coordinated by the Urban Institute. This Partnership is designed to share lessons learned, successes, and challenges among the partnership sites relative to data system development, reports, and use.
WHAT IS AN INDICATOR? HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM DATA?
An indicator is a measure or set of measures that helps to quantify, express, or "indicate" progress toward a goal or outcome. Indicators tell you something.
Data are "information collected."
Indicators are generally made up of, or compare data items. They are usually expressed as rates or percents. Data are the counts; indicators tell you something about them. Indicators put data into context.
HOW CAN I GET HELP ACCESSING, UNDERSTANDING, AND USING DATA AND INDICATORS EFFECTIVELY?
BNIA-JFI offers assistance to groups on how to use data in every aspect of their neighborhood improvement work from identifying issues and setting improvement goals, to garnering support for their activities, to designating indicators to track progress, and celebrating success.
The Data Definitions section within Vital Signs contains the definitions of the data items used, including how they are compiled and what they are actually telling us. The glossary also contains the standard definitions of terms used in reports, publications, and analysis of data to help with interpretation.
CAN I ACCESS DATA ABOUT AREAS OUTSIDE OF BALTIMORE CITY?
BNIA-JFI currently displays data strictly from within the boundaries of Baltimore City. However, BNIA-JFI has the capacity to collect, maintain, and analyze data and information for areas outside of Baltimore City. We have provided research services to areas outside of Baltimore City including Baltimore County and the City of Annapolis.
HOW WHERE THE COMMUNITY STATISTICAL AREAS DEVISED AND WHY?
The Community Statistical Areas used on the maps and in the Vital Signs reports are clusters of Baltimore neighborhoods created along census tracts, since statistical data is generally only available at this level. This clustering was necessary for the creation of statistical profiles, since most of the 271+ neighborhoods in Baltimore City do not have boundaries that fall along census tracts. These boundaries were created for display and statistical purposes only, and should not be confused with actual neighborhood boundaries.
WHY IS SOME OF THE DATA NOT AVAILABLE AT INDIVIDUAL OR SMALL GEOGRAPHIC AREAS?
Several of the data and indicators cannot be shown as individual points or by address. These items can only be displayed by a larger geographic area to avoid violation of confidentiality laws. BNIA-JFI is obligated by federal and state law to protect the identities of those being studied.
WHAT KINDS OF MAPS CAN BE CREATED AND PROVIDED BY BNIA-JFI?
Displaying data on maps can be easier to understand, powerful, and more usable, than charts and tables. Users can actually see where concentrations of specific problems or successes are located relative to their own neighborhoods.
BNIA-JFI staff have expertise in creating a variety of maps, ranging from general reference maps, which may show the relative locations of streets, parks, schools, landmarks, and other community assets as well as maps that display statistical information - rates of crime or the racial makeup of neighborhoods.
Some map styles include:
- Point maps, which simply show a dot representing the location of something such as a foreclosure filing or vacant property;
- Choropleth maps, which present statistical information aggregated to some sort of geography such as Census tract or Community Statistical Area (CSA) with color gradations that correspond to each geography's value; and
- Density maps, which show concentrations of point phenomena.
Furthermore, using Geographic Information Systems, BNIA-JFI can perform various spatial analyses such as cluster analysis, nearest neighbor analysis, and spatial autocorrelation.
