The urban data analysis & storytelling micro-credential is a continuing and professional education program designed for adult professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in leveraging data to address urban challenges. This program blends techniques in data collection, analysis, and visualization with strategic data storytelling to address urban challenges and influence decision-making. Participants will gain hands-on experience with data collection, processing, and presentation and communication techniques, and will learn how to apply these skills to influence urban planning, policy, and governance. This micro-credential prepares individuals to integrate data insights into compelling narratives, lead data-driven initiatives, and advocate for evidence-based urban solutions.
The learning outcomes for the program include the abilities to:
- Integrate data storytelling techniques with data analytics and visualization methods to craft compelling narratives that inform and influence urban planning, policymaking, and governance, and to effectively communicate across audiences
- Formulate and implement strategies for finding, collecting, and managing urban data from diverse sources, ensuring the application of ethical considerations and adherence to best practices in data handling
- Utilize data visualization tools and techniques, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Python, and spreadsheet software, to create insightful and effective visualizations that enhance communication with various stakeholders
- Evaluate and synthesize data insights from multiple sources to develop evidence-based recommendations and solutions for complex urban issues, addressing both opportunities and challenges in urban environments
- Apply principles of data literacy, storytelling, and visualization to develop and advocate for data-supported strategies and policies in urban settings
The program is aimed at:
- Junior and mid-career professionals seeking career advancement and professional growth in fields such as urban planning, public policy, environmental and civil engineering, data analysis, and communication
- Urban/city planners, public policy analysts, transportation analysts, environmental analysts, community development specialists, and sustainability coordinators
- Professionals working in the public, nonprofit, or private sector
- Individuals in municipal government, community planning, and the non-profit sector
- Public sector employees, community planners, urban planners, environmental consultants, and public policy advisors
- Professionals from other fields interested in transitioning into roles involving urban data analysis and spatial visualization
- Recent university graduates.
The micro-credential program is comprised of two stacked courses: Urban data storytelling (course 1) and Urban data analytics and visualization (course 2).
Urban data storytelling
In today’s data-driven world, the ability to communicate complex information clearly and compellingly is essential, especially in the realm of urban planning and policymaking. This is a professional learning course crafted for junior and mid-career professionals who want to leverage the art of using data to drive impactful decisions and foster positive changes in urban environments. In this course, participants will build a strong foundation in data literacy, including how to interpret, critique, and effectively use data by developing essential skills such as understanding data sources, evaluating data quality, and applying insights to real world problems. They will become skilled at pinpointing the types of data and metrics that are most impactful in urban planning and policy, while developing proficiency in storytelling techniques to transform data into engaging and relatable narratives. Participants will learn to effectively convert data into persuasive narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including stakeholders, community leaders, and the public.
The learning outcomes for the course include the abilities to:
- Define data storytelling and articulate its benefits in the context of urban environments
- Identify and ascertain the types of data, metrics, and evidence necessary to develop champions and overcome negative narratives related to urban planning, policy, and governance issues
- Apply storytelling techniques to communicate data insights
- Summarize and apply the elements of data literacy
- Evaluate and apply key principles of data visualization
- Describe ethical considerations when engaging with and applying data
Urban data analytics and visualization
Urban environments generate a wealth of data that can drive impactful decisions and policies. However, the challenge often lies in processing and visualizing this data to make it understandable and actionable. This course provides a deep dive into urban data sources, analytical tools, and visualization techniques. Participants will learn to harness data effectively, uncover patterns, and create compelling visual narratives to communicate their findings. This course will guide participants through the process of finding and collecting relevant urban data, using advanced tools for data analysis, and creating effective maps and visualizations to communicate insights to a range of audiences. Participants will explore the common types of urban data available; gain practical experience with GIS, Excel, and Python for data analysis, including processing, exploring, and visualizing data; and creating effective visualizations, including thematic and interactive graphics to communicate complex data clearly.
The learning outcomes for the course include the abilities to:
- Find and collect urban data on a variety of topics and from a range of sources that can help inform decision and policy making.
- Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spreadsheet software like Excel, and the programming language Python to process, explore, and analyze data.
- Create different types of maps and visualizations to effectively communicate data to a variety of audiences.
If you want more information about this program, please contact education.sofc@utoronto.ca