Introduction: Mapping Inequality
Mapping Inequality is a Digital Humanities (DH) project that visualizes and explores the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps from the 1930s, which categorized neighborhoods in the United States based on their perceived investment risk. These maps reflect and perpetuate systemic racism by designating predominantly Black neighborhoods as high-risk “D” zones, or “redlined” areas. The project provides an interactive platform to explore how these designations have contributed to economic and racial inequalities.
Sources
The project draws from a variety of historical and modern datasets. Its primary sources include digitized HOLC maps and neighborhood assessment reports housed in the National Archives. These documents provide detailed descriptions of neighborhoods as observed by HOLC surveyors, capturing the racial, economic, and social characteristics deemed relevant to their grading system. Additionally, the project integrates historical U.S. census data to provide demographic context and enrich its analysis. Geographic Information System (GIS) layers were used to link the historical maps with modern geographies, ensuring accurate spatial representation.
Processes
Creating Mapping Inequality required several steps. First, the HOLC maps and reports were digitized at a high resolution to preserve their detail and make them accessible. These digitized materials were then georeferenced, aligning the historical maps with modern geographic coordinates using GIS software. This process involved extensive manual annotation to ensure accurate placement and categorization of neighborhoods. Metadata was added to describe the ratings, survey notes, and other contextual information associated with each neighborhood. Finally, data from HOLC maps were integrated with contemporary datasets, such as demographic and economic indicators, to allow for comparision between the past and present.
Presentation
The project’s design is centered on an interactive map interface, which allows users to explore HOLC ratings for neighborhoods across dozens of U.S. cities. Users can zoom in to examine specific areas and click on neighborhoods to access original survey notes and contextual details. The interface also includes search and filter functions, enabling users to compare neighborhoods based on redlining classifications. Supplementary visualizations, such as charts and infographics, provide an overview of redlining’s long-term impacts, such as its role in shaping patterns of racial segregation and wealth disparity.
New Question
While exploring Mapping Inequality, I wondered how might this project incorporate predictive analytics to estimate the future effects of redlining on urban development? What challenges did the creators face in accurately aligning historical maps with modern GIS systems, particularly in cities that have undergone significant boundary changes or redevelopment? These questions highlight opportunities for further research and expansion of the project’s scope.
In-class Discussion
- What is the goal of the project? The goal of Mapping Inequality is to uncover and make accessible the systemic racism embedded in 1930s housing policies, particularly redlining. By visualizing these historical maps and connecting them to contemporary inequalities, the project aims to educate the public and spark dialogue about the long-term effects of discriminatory policies on racial and economic disparities in the United States.
- Which academic fields is the project in conversation with? Mapping Inequality engages with several academic fields, including history, geography, urban studies, sociology, and critical race studies. Its interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how historical practices of redlining intersect with broader social and economic phenomena, offering valuable insights for scholars across these disciplines.
- Does the site make an argument? If so, what? The site argues that the redlining policies of the 1930s have had enduring effects on urban development and social inequality. By providing visual and textual evidence, it makes a compelling case that these policies were not just a product of their time but are central to understanding contemporary issues like housing inequality, wealth gaps, and racial segregation.
