Abstract

Adaptive Kernel Density in Demographic Analysis
Track: Census
Authors: Deane R Lycan, Charles Rynerson

Grid density maps are commonly used in demographic analysis and mapping. Fixed bandwidth measures compute cell averages for a fixed radius; adaptive includes a fixed number of points, trading distance certainty for inclusion certainty. The adaptive method may be better for some demographic analysis. This paper illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches using sample data from the American Community Survey and student record data used in enrollment forecasting.