MSCC 2023
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Item Investigating the Influence of Tessellate Shapes on Crime Hot Spot Mapping Results: Do Hexagonal Grid Thematic Maps Outperform Conventional Thematic Maps?(MSCC, The University of Tampa, 2023-03-22) Rickson, Carli; Dr. Timothy C. Hart; Dr. Gabriel R. Paez; Dr. Nathan ConnealyGrid-based thematic maps are spatial analysis tools used to identify patterns in crime. The grids used to create these maps are made up of tessellating shapes. Squares are the most often used tessellating shape by analysts and researchers yet receive negative feedback regarding their harsh visual appeal. Hexagons, on the other hand, are used less often but receive positive feedback for displaying a softer visual appeal. No research has further investigated the use of hexagons in grid-based thematic maps. The current research investigated if the use of hexagons in grid-based thematic maps has other effects beyond visual acuity. Six metrics (i.e., hit rate, predictive accuracy index, recapture rate index, area-to-perimeter ratio, clumpiness index, and dynamic variability index) were utilized to analyze the performance of grid-based prospective hot spot maps composed of squares and hexagons. Findings revealed mixed results. Only two metrics (area-to-perimeter ratio and clumpiness index) were found significant; an effect resulted from using hexagons in the grid-based maps for metrics that assess hot spot compactness and patrollability. These findings can influence the practice of practitioners and analysts through their methods of analysis as well as agencies and their means of resource allocation.