NCJ Number
160742
Date Published
1995
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Computer mapping is a rapidly developing technique that can assist police departments in various ways, and computer mapping techniques are classified as descriptive, analytical, and interactive.
Abstract
Descriptive mapping shows data in a pin map or shaded area format. Analytical mapping starts with data analysis followed by automatically displaying results on a map, such as the identification and display of crime "hot spots" in a city. Interactive mapping allows a user to cycle through a series of steps starting with queries against a database, map the results, make a decision from maps, and start anew with other queries. Examples of each mapping approach are provided, with emphasis on how computer mapping can assist police operations. Steps necessary to establish a computer mapping system and future developments in the field of computer mapping are identified. 21 references, 8 notes, and 5 figures