Michael Lau’s “Asbestos Mines in the United States” studies the potential effect of decreased asbestos demand (due to health revelations and government bans) on U.S. populations near asbestos mines. To study the relationship between asbestos mine closure and population change, Lau created two interactive products. The first contains two maps of asbestos extraction sites, with one showing population change from 1970-1980 (when asbestos mining peaked) and the other covering 1980-1990 (following the publication of a landmark federal study). For his second interactive, Lau maps population change in comparison to former asbestos mines in a single locale (Aston Township), illustrating that the presence of former mines did not necessarily hinder population growth. Ultimately, Lau concludes that census-tract-level analysis reveals no strong correlation between population decline and changes to the asbestos industry.
Lau effectively sets the stage for his project; the timeline of asbestos production and banning explored in the background section well justifies the time period of his study. Despite the rather large scale of the first interactive (that scale being the entire United States), the number of features is not overwhelming to the eye. Types of asbestos extraction sites are clearly distinguishable from one another, and the slide function allows for the user to easily identify changing census tracts. For both interactives (national and local), the choropleth color scale easily distinguishes between increasing and decreasing percent change in population (as well as the relative amount of that change in either direction for each tract with data). Finally, by acknowledging the limitations of census-level data and analysis, Lau does not make any claims which his data does not support.
If Lau were to continue developing his project, he might consider adjusting pop-ups (which appear when any feature is selected) to show only the most relevant information, such as population change in a particular census tract or the closure date of a particular mine. Lau could also consider narrowing the scale of his mapping to only one or two regions with asbestos mines. This would focus the project and reinforce its primary argument. Additionally, if these focus regions are rural, county-level data could be used in lieu of census tract data. Then again, counties can be large and not as descriptive of particular settlements as census tracts. Lau is certainly correct in pointing out the challenges of gathering data on rural areas and niche (but potentially impactful) local industries.
Excellent Wyatt.