April 3, 2008New crime mapping: data you can really dig intoSeems like I’ve been promising better crime maps forever. Forever ended this week. The old static maps with only a few weeks of data are gone, replaced by our new and improved crime data map and search. Now, in one place you can see data from Roanoke, Roanoke County and Salem. Choose one locality or search all three. Search all serious violent and property offenses, or select just a particular offense. Enter a date range to limit your search. You can even enter a street name to see offenses just on that street (though at this point, because of the limited amount of data available, many street name searches won't find any records). We did lose one aspect of the old maps that I really liked, and that’s the color-coding by offense type. However, the web service that we’re using to publish our databases and maps now, Capio Bridge, is promising an upgrade to their map mash-up programming this month that will allow us to add the color-coding again. Typically, I'll be updating the database weekly, usually on Tuesday. In addition, we still have a separate Salem crime data map and search. The Salem crime report we receive by email isn’t limited to serious violent and property crimes. It’s a complete list of reported felonies, large and small and of all varieties. We just didn’t want to throw that detail away. So, if you want even more data on Salem crime, check out the Salem-specific map to see everything from shoplifting and forgery to parole violations and perjury. And, as always, tell me what you think. I consider these changes a terrific improvement, but that’s not to say we can’t do even better. Is any part of the search confusing? Something else you’d like to see? So comment here, email me, call me (540.981.3331). Heck, send smoke signals. I’ll be watching the horizon. |
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