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Grid maps, data binning

Grid maps are a type of thematic map that represent spatial data by dividing the mapped area into a regular grid of cells (squares or hexagons) and summarising information within each cell. Instead of visualising data by administrative or natural boundaries, grid maps provide a uniform spatial framework that supports consistent comparison across the entire area.

Each cell in the grid contains a value based on the data points or features that fall within it—such as counts, averages, or densities. This approach is especially useful for analysing and visualising point data, spatial distributions, or continuous phenomena, as it avoids the distortions introduced by unevenly sized administrative units. Grid maps are widely used in environmental studies, urban analysis, population research, and risk mapping.

Mapping technique that groups point data into a grid composed of regularly shaped areas is known as data binning.


Aggregate features into bins

Assignment 06

Traffic accidents in Prague

TASK:

Make a map using hexagonal binning techniqeue to aggregate and visualise spatial data related to traffic accidents in Prague. Within each hexagon try to visualise following information:

  • the total length of roads,

  • the number of recorded traffic accidents,

  • the location of fatal accidents.


DATA SOURCES:

  • Input data are available on the Shares drive, in the directory K155\Public\155CART\Hexbins.


SUBMISSION FORM:


INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Add Prague_polygon.shp to Map
  • Create a hexagonal grid (Generate Tesselation)
  • Limit the hexagonal grid to the area of Prague (Select by Location-Have their center in)
  • Add Prague_roads.shp to Map
  • Aggregate the information on the total length of roads within each hexagon (Summarize Within)
  • Add accidents_202301-202412.geojson to Map (JSON To Features)
  • Aggregate the information on the number of recorded traffic accidents within each hexagon (Summarize Within)
  • Symbolize the hexagonal grid properly to show the total length of roads (Symbology-Graduated Colors), the number of recorded traffic accidents (Symbology-Graduated Symbols), and the location of fatal accidents (Symbology-Single Symbol)
  • Finish the layout: insert Map Title, Scale, Legend and Credits. Add explanation for the abbreviations of the country names used, if any.
  • Export Layout in PDF Format.