Part 5 - Complete Spatial Analysis of Data

Step 1 – Analyze the Data

  1. View the placemark pattern in the area studied. Visually analyze where the litter is found and where the trashcans are located.
  2. Use the Ruler tool in Google Earth to measure the distance from the litter points to the nearest trashcan and record that information to your data sheet.
  3. Consider the following questions:
    • Why do you think the trash was there? Was it dropped there, or carried by the wind? Are there different types of trash in different areas?
    • Does the amount of trash seem to increase, or decrease the farther away it is from a trashcan?
    • Do you think there are there better locations for trashcans than where they are currently located?

Step 2 – Add a Placemark to Indicate a New Trashcan

  1. Click the Add Placemark button.
  2. On the Map, hover over area you want to add the placemark and click. A Placemark will be inserted and a New Placemark window will open. Drag the placemark to the exact location you would like to be and edit it.

Step 3 – Prepare your Data for Presentation

  1. Choose File > Save As > Save Image... to save a picture of your map. Your map should show where litter was found, where trashcans are located, and where you think the new trashcans should be placed.
  2. Paste the screenshot in a word processing document, and summarize your findings regarding litter and trashcans. Include in your findings possible reasons why the trash was distributed in the manner that is was and what could be done to reduce the litter in the area.