GEOG 858
Spatial Data Science for Emergency Management

Term Project - Final Draft

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This week provides you with your last opportunity to finish revising your term project. Make sure you have addressed the issues I pointed out in your first draft. If you have questions about your edits, reach out to me quickly so I have time to get back to you before the due date.

Once you have made it through the edits, consider the following ideas for enhancing your final project:

  • Include images, links to multimedia, and other content that will help the reader / decision-maker understand the context of your report.
  • Include citations to the relevant scientific literature to bolster your arguments and substantiate any claims you have made.
  • Make sure that the formatting of your report is consistent and elegant - make it look professional.
  • Ask a classmate, colleague at work, or someone else who would be reasonably familiar with the content to read your report and provide feedback.

Deliverables

Please submit your assignment to the "Term Project Final Draft" dropbox in Canvas. See the Course Calendar in Canvas for specific due dates.

Grading Criteria

Your term project should meet the following guidelines:

  • It should be clear who you are writing for and the role you are playing in preparing this report

  • The final text is no longer than 3000 words (not including references or an appendix where you can outline your methodology in greater detail)

  • Includes images and graphics where relevant

  • Cites sources using a consistent citation format

  • Applies consistent formatting across the sections of your paper (hint: use MS word styles)

  • Presents clear and organized arguments to support your project goals

  • Matches the spirit and goals associated with the project option you have chosen

Grading Rubric

Your final term project is worth 15% of your final course grade and will be graded out of 100 points using the following rubric.

Rubric
Criteria Description Possible Points
Introduction

The introduction meaningfully engages the target audience/reader and clearly presents the central argument along with its substantive, technical and applied contexts.

15

Background and Supporting Research

The paper is well researched and contains references to peer-reviewed articles, government documents and industry reports that relate to the arguments in a logical manner.

References are correctly cited.
30
Analysis and Interpretations

Design and implement a methodology to address the central arguments of your topic.

Critical, relevant and consistent connections are made between evidence and central arguments. Includes appropriate use of maps, graphics, and tables. Analytical insights area sound and shows a deep understanding of the issues.

Depending on your selected topic, this may involve describing the steps taken for data analysis and mapping (NOTE –step by step instructions can be put into an appendix and now count against word limits – discuss this with the instructor).

30
Conclusion Excellent summary of topic and central arguments with concluding statements that impacts target audience/reader. 10
Writing There is evidence of editing and proofreading. Writing is engaging and well-structured with excellent transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Writing is polished and professional. Concepts are integrated in an original manner. 15
Total -- 100