From children to adults with nostalgic eyes, surely all of us can appreciate the joy of carousels. New York City is lucky to be home to several vintage and new carousels that bring joy to families and just about anyone that happens upon them!
Why create a NYC carousel map?
- Although maps can be found on traditional mapping apps (ie: Google Maps), there is a lot of clutter to get around- it would be nice to have a visual that clearly shows their locations to help with planning visits
- One needs to dig for logistical information on visiting the carousels such as pricing, policies, accessibility, nearby bathrooms, and nearby attractions. This map will include a subset of criteria that directly addresses these concerns to help visitors better plan their visit.
- The visual of a “carousel only” map will highlight where there are a lack of carousels in the five boroughs. Adding a layered map indicating socio-economic data or real estate prices in these areas may shed light on why these disparities exist, and help as an advocacy tool for creating carousels in these areas, as well as recommendations to investigate if there is also a lack of other recreational facilities in the same places.
How will it be done?
Carousel locations are easy to locate and retrieve GPS/address information. We will need to visit/call/research what the carousel’s policies and logistics are. Ideally, team members would sign up to visit specific carousels to a) provide a short review of their experience that may further help interested visitors and b) to take original photographs if no open-license/creative commons photos are available.
We will need to use source(s) like NYC Open Data to determine which data point(s) we want to use to create the layered map.
This information will need to gathered in a systematic way to include in an interactive map. As someone that is new to mapping, I am open to different platforms based on the groups current expertise and interests.
The map will need to be hosted on a website. For now, I propose using CUNY Academic Commons, but am also open to discussion here. Beyond hosting the interactive map, this site should also have a “Recommendations” page based on our analysis of areas in need of carousels. Other fun features may include our personal reviews of carousels, and a call for site visitors to add their own comments/experiences.
Outreach is twofold- one is to family centered and/or tourist centered social media and blogs. Mommy Poppins, Brooklyn Bridge Parents, and Park Slope Parents are some family accounts that come to mind. Time Out NYC, NYC Tourism, Visit NYC are a few examples of possible tourist outreach. Secondly, reaching out to government agencies such as the NYC Parks/Recreation Department, the Department of City Planning, and possibly development companies to advocate for placement of future carousels in areas “in need” of one.
Social media buzz can involve little teasers of carousels, personal experiences on them, memories of carousels, quick tips, etc. Perhaps also providing carousels themselves with QR code flyers of the map once completed.
Why this project?
This project is a fun and practical way to put into practice some DH elements that we have learned about so far. The amount of data to go through is very reasonable, there are less that 20 carousels, and we will be very selective in the NYC data we use to layer. I think the vision of the project is clear, and believe the scope of the project is well within reason to come at least close to a finished product. I also think the skillsets required are approachable and align with many of our own.
I also think that carousels have a universal appeal, both to ourselves and to the wider public. I think it could have some impact on the “real world” and is easily presentable and intuitive to outside parties. Could it have 15 minutes of fame?
As the project “pitcher” I also want to make clear that I feel no particular ownership of this project, and am open to all suggestions/ideas/feedback. I am excited to see how the project will evolve when great minds come together!
Hi Kelly! I think this is a great project idea and agree that it would be a fun and practical way for us to practice our DH skills. I recently went to a presentation at the NY Transit Museum that showcased a project made using the MTAs open data. I think using NYC open data to add layers to this project is really interesting and has a lot of potential. You mentioned the potential use for advocacy and I think the project could be expanded (if desired/later phase) to include other recreational facilities for greater impact. I have no skills in this department, but as I was reading your proposal it occurred to me that this might be a good mobile app (or that the site should be designed for mobile use).
Thanks for sharing! And yes- I think that starting with a very mobile friendly site would be crucial- and if it gains popularity an app may be more suitable.
Hello Kelly, your project pitch is very captivating. As mentioned above, a great project to enhance and learn new DH skills, while simultaneously enjoying what you’re creating. NYC Open Data is a great resource that can provide your project with a wide range of relevant datasets to build your map. I would recommend determining what specific datasets and/or information you want to use and be represented or shown on the map. In addition, with consideration of reaching wide and large audiences, I would suggest not using the Academic Commons to publish your site as it would most likely only reach the direct CUNY community. An idea that I believe could possibly be a good fit your project is using ArcGIS StoryMaps to develop the map and WordPress to host a domain and design a site.
Thanks for your suggestions! I am very open to dataset suggestions, and hosting platforms. I also think that ArcGIS StoryMaps may be the most appropriate software for this project.
Hi Kelly,
I really like your Carousel project, I myself sometimes wonder why we find certain activities in certain places. With that said, I think it’s great that you aren’t just using this project as an easy tourist attraction, but also as a way to see where carousels can be added.
Question: Once you identify areas lacking a carousel, how will you determine which areas or parks carousels can be integrated? Or will this be a discussion once you contact Parks & Recreation, and other offices you mentioned?
Great question! I think the how/where is up for discussion, but I am interested in paying attention to where new development projects are being proposed and see if there’s an overlap with our map. To be transparent, I haven’t looked up where one would find that information, but I imagine that project must be submitted to a public agency for approval. It already has me starting to complicate the project- of another map layer of proposed development sites?