Abstraction

New term, new term paper. Stayed up all night last night working wrapping it up (finally finished it at 5:01, then went out for a very cold run). Today staying awake should be an adventure and a half.

Anyway, I worked so hard on it, my hordes of listeners might appreciate a glimpse, so I present to you....MY ABSTRACT:

An In-Between Census Year Study of Human Migration Using Geographic Information Science(GIS)

Abstract

In this project, I intend to develop a population dataset from in-between Census years, and use it to investigate whether inter-and intra-state migration patterns are as expected, according to previous US Census estimates.

My first literature consideration was to look for other instances in which mid-Census period data sets had been incorporated into human population GIS. Second, I was interested in what other methods researchers have used to investigate these "off-years." Third, I was curious as to how one could integrate such data seamlessly into an existing Census data set. And finally, I investigated the more general notions of population migration geography data and methods.

Upon completing my review of literature, is my determination that sufficient methodology exists to create the data set in which I am interested, and integrate that data with an existing GIS. As state agencies take a greater interest in control over "out-migration," knowledge of residential preferences of workers and consumers will become increasingly more important. An atypical approach, such as the one I propose, may serve to uncover valuable information heretofore hidden in the nebulous muddle that is the period in between Census years.