Buffalization Data Visualization Challenge
“The Buffalization Data Visualization Challenge was my favorite event I participated in last year and winning it added great value to my resume.â€
-Niranjan Cholendiran, Master of Science in Data Science
As part of , we're holding our annual BuffalizationÌýData Visualization challenge! We’re inviting you to show off your data visualization and storytelling skills. Create a data visualization using a dataset of CU Boulder trees using your preferred software or tools. (You can even hand make or draw a visualization!)
- Here's the dataset youÌýshould use:
- Deadline: Sunday, February 16th
- The dataset is a .csv file with information on 777 trees in the campus historic district (Norlin Quad and adjacent areas).
- Projects can submitted as an image or a link. Please submit your projectÌýusing . If handmaking your visualization, take a photo for the submission form.
- A panel of judges will select individual and team winners for undergraduate students and for graduate students.
- Visualizations will be judged on creativity, clarity, data accuracy, visual appeal, and storytelling.
- Winners will be announced by the end of February and prizes will be presented at an event in March.
- Winning entries will be featured on the CRDDS website, included in a data viz zine, and/or displayed in the University Libraries.
- CRDDS provides training workshops to help get you started.
- Telling a Story with Data: Basic Principles and Best Practices. Tuesday, February 11th, 10-11:30am
- Data Visualization with RAWGraphs. Thursday, February 13th, 11am-12pm
Q. I don't know anything about trees, can I still enter?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. Yes! Take a look at the dataset and you may surprise yourself with your outsider's view.
Q. Can a team create and enter one visualization?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. Yes. If you do so, please ensure you include all team members' information with your submission.
Q. What type of data is in the dataset?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. The dataset includes Tree ID, Tree Type, Genus, Species, Cultivar or Varietal, Common Name, Canopy Spread, Height, Latitude, and Longitude.
Q. That's a lot of data! Do I have to use all of it?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. Definitely not! We included a variety of data so that you can choose what elements you want to focus on. You can create your visualization using only the species or only the latitude and longitude or any other element. It's up to you! We ask that you please use at least 10 different data points from the dataset. (e.g. 10 different trees.)
Q. What unit are the numbers in?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. Canopy spread and Height are measured in feet.
Q. ​​Some of your data is wrong!
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Please email us at crdds@colorado.edu
Q. Some of your data is blank!
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. That happens with datasets sometimes. If you have questions, please email us at crdds@colorado.edu
Q. Can I include outside data in my visualization?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. ​​​​​​​​Please use only data from the dataset. Thanks!
Q. Can I use AI/ML to generate my visualization?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. Yes, but please be clear in your submission that you did and explain the prompts you used to guide the generation of your visualization.
Q. Do I need to be affiliated with CU Boulder to enter the contest?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. No, but prizes will only be awarded to those who are affiliated with CU Boulder.
Q. Where can I find more tree data?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. You can find data about every tree on campus (over 5000!) on the created, updated and published by the CU CAD/GIS Office.
Q. What coordinate system is used in this dataset?
Ìý Ìý Ìý A. Â鶹ÊÓƵ FM GIS Office uses the following coordinate system:ÌýNAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Colorado North FIPS 0501 (US Foot). Latitude and Longitude have been converted to Web Mercator
Special thanks to the CAD/GIS Office for providing us with this dataset!
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