Issues in representing ethnic residential segregation

This study will look at some of the issues involved in representing ethnic residential segregation. Segregation studies rely heavily upon indices and maps. However, both of these are sensitive to the spatial boundaries used. As well, maps have a visual element which affects the nature and degree of representation. Toronto has been chosen as the area of study because of its high degree of ethnic diversity. Five indices that describe the five dimensions of segregation (Massey and Denton, 1988) will be calculated at four standard levels of aggregation. As well, several types of maps will be produced to illustrate the cartographic alternatives available for representing segregation. Notably, although many of the cartographic techniques are not new, they are rarely used because they are too time-consuming and because these options are often not available in standard mapping packages