Since the emergence of contemporary area classifications, population geography has witnessed a renaissance in the area of policy related spatial analysis. Area classifications subsume geodemographic systems which often use data mining techniques and machine learning algorithms to simplify large and complex bodies of information about people and the places in which they live, work and undertake other social activities. Outputs developed from the grouping of small geographical areas on the basis of multi- dimensional data have proved beneficial particularly for decision-making in the commercial sectors of a vast number of countries in the northern hemisphere. This book argues that small area classifications offer countries in the Global South a distinct opportunity to address human population policy related challenges in novel ways using area-based initiatives and evidence-based methods. This book exposes researchers, practitioners, and students to small area segmentation techniques for understanding, interpreting, and visualizing the configuration, dynamics, and correlates of development policy challenges at small spatial scales. It presents strategic and operational responses to these challenges in cost effective ways. Using two developing countries as case studies, the book connects new transdisciplinary ways of thinking about social and spatial inequalities from a scientific perspective with GIS and Data Science. This offers all stakeholders a framework for engaging in practical dialogue on development policy within urban and rural settings, based on real-world examples. Features: The first book to address the huge potential of small area segmentation for sustainable development, combining explanations of concepts, a range of techniques, and current applications. Includes case studies focused on core challenges that confront developing countries and provides thorough analytical appraisal of issues that resonate with audiences from the Global South. Combines GIS and machine learning methods for studying interrelated disciplines such as Demography, Urban Science, Sociology, Statistics, Sustainable Development and Public Policy. Uses a multi-method approach and analytical techniques of primary and secondary data. Embraces a balanced, chronological, and well sequenced presentation of information, which is very practical for readers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA/ERS) maintains four highly related but distinct geographic classification systems to designate areas by the degree to which they are rural. The original urban-rural code scheme was developed by the ERS in the 1970s. Rural America today is very different from the rural America of 1970 described in the first rural classification report. At that time migration to cities and poverty among the people left behind was a central concern. The more rural a residence, the more likely a person was to live in poverty, and this relationship held true regardless of age or race. Since the 1970s the interstate highway system was completed and broadband was developed. Services have become more consolidated into larger centers. Some of the traditional rural industries, farming and mining, have prospered, and there has been rural amenity-based in-migration. Many major structural and economic changes have occurred during this period. These factors have resulted in a quite different rural economy and society since 1970. In April 2015, the Committee on National Statistics convened a workshop to explore the data, estimation, and policy issues for rationalizing the multiple classifications of rural areas currently in use by the Economic Research Service (ERS). Participants aimed to help ERS make decisions regarding the generation of a county rural-urban scale for public use, taking into consideration the changed social and economic environment. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

The development of fair, objective, & manageable offender classification systems (CS) has been a significant concern of correctional admin. for some time. Building & facility expansion programs are critically affected by classification decisions, as is resource allocation for programming. Parity issues & the possibility of litigation are major concerns. This report presents a critical review of issues relevant to the evaluation of correctional CS. Topics covered: standards for conducting classification evaluations; impact evaluation & validation goals; evaluation questions, designs, & method; & sampling & data collection techniques. Examples used reflect actual evaluations of CS & should be helpful in clarifying areas of concern. Illustrations.

Based on historical case studies in Chicago, John J. Betancur and Janet L. Smith focus both the theoretical and practical explanations for why neighborhoods change today. As the authors show, a diverse collection of people including urban policy experts, elected officials, investors, resident leaders, institutions, community-based organizations, and many others compete to control how neighborhoods change and are characterized. Betancur and Smith argue that neighborhoods have become sites of consumption and spaces to be consumed. Discourse is used to add and subtract value from them. The romanticized image of "the neighborhood" exaggerates or obscures race and class struggles while celebrating diversity and income mixing. Scholars and policy makers must reexamine what sustains this image and the power effects produced in order to explain and govern urban space more equitably.

Publishes in-depth articles on labor subjects, current labor statistics, information about current labor contracts, and book reviews.