Social Explorer is a data visualization and analysis tool that is widely used by researchers, policymakers, and educators to understand demographic trends and patterns. Social Explorer University at Buffalo, is a powerful resource for students and faculty in a range of disciplines, from sociology and political science to geography and urban planning. In this blog post, we will explore the many ways that Social Explorer University at Buffalo is used, and how it can help you to better understand the social and demographic landscape of the United States.
Introduction
The University at Buffalo is one of the leading research institutions in the United States, with a long-standing commitment to excellence in research and teaching. As part of this commitment, the university has partnered with Social Explorer, a powerful data visualization and analysis tool that provides access to a wide range of demographic data sources. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Social Explorer and its various applications at the University at Buffalo.
What is Social Explorer?
Social Explorer is an online data visualization and analysis tool that provides access to a wide range of demographic data sources. It reproduces statistical reports and maps based on U.S. decennial censuses, the American Community Survey (ACS), and data collected by the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA). Social Explorer enables users to search data by maps or tables, create customized thematic and interactive maps using historical and census data, and create data reports that can be exported, saved, and printed.
At the University at Buffalo, Social Explorer is being used in a variety of ways to support research and teaching. For example, faculty in the Department of Sociology are using Social Explorer to examine trends in racial and ethnic segregation in American cities, and to explore how these patterns have changed over time. Similarly, faculty in the Department of Geography are using Social Explorer to study the impact of urbanization on land use patterns and environmental sustainability.
Social Explorer is also a valuable tool for students at the University at Buffalo. In courses such as Urban Geography and Population and Society, students are using Social Explorer to explore demographic patterns in Buffalo and other cities across the United States. By using Social Explorer to create custom maps and reports, students are able to visualize and analyze demographic data in new and meaningful ways, deepening their understanding of the social and economic forces that shape our communities.
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Data Available on Social Explorer at University at Buffalo
Census Data
Social Explorer provides access to census data from 1790 to 2000, covering county, state, and national data. The geographies covered include tracts, places, counties, zip codes, congressional districts, states, and the nation. Users can analyze demographic data based on a wide range of factors, including age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, income, employment, housing, and more.
American Community Survey (ACS)
The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that provides data on social, economic, and housing characteristics of the U.S. population. Social Explorer provides access to ACS data for the years 2005 to 2019, covering a wide range of demographic data at the census tract, block group, and block level.
Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA)
The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) is a collection of data on religion in the United States, compiled from a variety of sources. Social Explorer provides access to ARDA data, covering counties, states, and the nation. The data includes information on the number of adherents, congregations, and denominations, as well as other demographic information related to religion.
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Using Social Explorer at the University at Buffalo
Social Explorer is an essential tool for research and teaching at the University at Buffalo, with a wide range of applications across various fields. Here are some of the ways in which Social Explorer is used at University at Buffalo:
Public Health and Health Professions
Faculty in the School of Public Health and Health Professions are using Social Explorer to examine the relationship between health outcomes and social determinants such as income, education, and race. By mapping patterns of health disparities across the United States, they are able to identify areas where targeted interventions could have the greatest impact and to develop more effective public health policies and programs.
Political Science
Faculty in the Department of Political Science are using Social Explorer to study the relationship between political power and demographic change. By analyzing patterns of voter turnout, party affiliation, and political representation, they are able to identify factors that contribute to political polarization and to develop strategies for promoting greater civic engagement and political participation.
Urban Planning
Students in the School of Architecture and Planning are using Social Explorer to study patterns of urban development and land use. By analyzing demographic data related to population density, income, housing, and transportation, they are able to develop more effective strategies for urban planning and sustainable development.
Social Work
Students in the School of Social Work are using Social Explorer to examine patterns of poverty and social inequality. By analyzing data related to income, education, housing, and other social determinants, they are able to identify areas where targeted interventions could have the greatest impact and to develop more effective policies for promoting greater social equity and reducing poverty.
History
Faculty and students in the Department of History are using Social Explorer to study patterns of demographic change over time. By analyzing census data from different periods, they are able to identify long-term trends in population growth, migration patterns, and social and economic change. They are also able to develop a more nuanced understanding of the historical roots of current social and economic disparities.
Education
Faculty in the Graduate School of Education are using Social Explorer to study patterns of educational attainment and access to educational opportunities. By analyzing data related to income, race, and geography, they are able to identify areas where access to quality education is limited and to develop more effective strategies for promoting greater educational equity and opportunity.
Students are gaining skills that are in high demand in today’s job market. Moreover, by working on real-world projects that use Social Explorer to address important social and economic issues, they are developing a deep understanding of the ways in which demographic data can be used to effect positive change.
In addition to its academic applications, Social Explorer is also being used to support a wide range of community-based initiatives in Buffalo and the surrounding region. For example, local non-profits are using Social Explorer to map patterns of food insecurity and to identify areas where new food pantries and community gardens could be established. Similarly, city officials are using Social Explorer to analyze patterns of transportation use and to plan for new bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
How to access Social Explorer at University at Buffalo ?
To access Social Explorer at the University at Buffalo, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the University at Buffalo Libraries homepage at https://library.buffalo.edu/.
- Click on the “Databases” tab located on the main navigation bar.
- Scroll down to the “S” section of the alphabetical list of databases and click on “Social Explorer”.
- You will be prompted to log in with your UB NetID and password to access the database.
- Once you have logged in, you can use Social Explorer to explore and analyze a wide range of demographic data, including census data and data collected by the Association of Religion Data Archives.
If you have any questions or need help using Social Explorer, you can visit the Social Explorer help page at http://www.socialexplorer.com/help or contact the UB Libraries research assistance team for assistance.
Conclusion
Social Explorer is an essential tool for research and teaching at the University at Buffalo, providing access to a wide range of demographic data sources and enabling users to create customized maps, tables, and reports. With its user-friendly interface and powerful analysis capabilities, Social Explorer is helping faculty and students across various fields to develop more effective strategies for addressing social and economic disparities, promoting greater equity, and advancing knowledge in their respective fields. Whether you are a researcher, educator, or student, Social Explorer is a powerful tool that can help you unlock the full potential of demographic data and transform your research and teaching.
