I am disappointed with the editor's choice to submit the ePodunk's analysis of the Katrina diaspora. As a 14 year resident of New Orleans and one trained in spatial analysis, the data and presentation of this map are far from accurate. If it should be used in discussion, it should be referred to as a sampling of where the e-connected Gulf Coast population took refuge pre- and immediately post-Katrina. Since the storm, many of my evacuated friends have lived in no less than 3 states and even more communities. Some are still moving around, trying to make a geographical decision but most have since returned home to rebuild the city and their lives.
Additionally, the author of the article falls short in his "research" when he indicates that 1.3 million homes in metropolitan New Orleans were destroyed. That is the entire population - not the housing count! That's a huge difference and is irresponsible reporting of statistics. An error, perhaps, but one that should have been corrected by now.
I became familiar with this map two months ago when a former colleague from the University of New Orleans pointed it out as a good reference source. It is most certainly not. This map, in and of itself, demonstrates how people learn to use GIS technology but understand very little about how to apply good research skills and principles to use it as a methodology. The map is interesting but the data behind it is does not match the analysis presented by the authors.
Denese Neu
HHS Planning & Consulting
