2000115-Strengthening-Communities-with-Neighborhood-Data

92 Strengthening Communities with Neighborhood Data
describes two primary data collection methods often used to create
neighborhood indicators: observational surveys and household surveys.
Observational Surveys
Observational surveys involve individuals visually identifying a set of
neighborhood or property conditions and completing a protocol to
record the data. The rigor of data collection varies widely, but the ideal
process includes clear definitions of the characteristics being captured,
training of the data collectors, and data-quality checks. These surveys
have been used to capture deficits in a neighborhood, such as graffiti or
trash, as well as community assets, such as parks and fresh food outlets.
Observational surveys have often been used to compensate for the
lack of sound information on vacancy and property conditions, as
even the most advanced city agencies have trouble collecting these data
through administrative systems or self-reporting. In Detroit, Michigan,
the Detroit Residential Parcel Survey offers one example of how surveys
successfully filled this critical data gap. Although the extreme problem of
vacant and abandoned buildings in Detroit was undisputed, no citywide
information existed before 2009 to develop scenarios and make informed
decisions about different areas of the city. In response to this need, the
survey project was conceived and implemented by the Data Collaborative,
a partnership between the Detroit Office of Foreclosure Prevention
and Response, Community Legal Resources, and Data Driven Detroit
(the local NNIP partner). In two months in 2009, surveyors recorded the
conditions of every residential property with one to four housing units
in the city of Detroit, totaling about 350,000 structures. The surveyors
recorded property type, property condition, fire damage, lot vacancy,
and type of structures. The collaborative published the results in static and
interactive maps accessible to the government, community groups, and the
public. Data Driven Detroit took advantage of more sophisticated technology
to update the parcel survey in 2014, and their plans included ways
to keep the information continuously updated (Detroit Blight Removal
Task Force 2014). 6
In addition to obtaining information about properties, observational
surveys are often used to measure walkability and the quality of the built
environment. The Irvine Minnesota Inventory is a well-tested audit
tool for capturing features that promote physical activity, particularly
walking (Day 2006). Developed and refined by the University of Cali-