Comments on: L.A. Times uses mapping, databases to build interactive homicide map

By: Eric Ulken

Eric Ulken — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 23:30:08 +0000

Thanks, Tom and Robert, for the feedback. Yes, the 25-at-a-time thing is a bit of a pain. It’s a technical limitation — the more points on the map, the slower the filters operate. But the idea for a separate heat map or point map showing the universe of homicides is definitely something we’ll consider for version 2.

By: Tom Grubisich

Tom Grubisich — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:44:28 +0000

This is a great addition to LAT reporter Leovy’s admirable compilation — one more example of why we need experienced, committed mainstream journalists. I hope the LAT team will, as it gets access to and assembles more data, be able to pinpoint likely or proven cause of homicide. How often do drugs figure in? What are the other major categories for cause of death? Also, could you provide a tab that would show the total universe of homicides geographically, not just 25 at a time?

By: Robert Niles

Robert Niles — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:57:25 +0000

Yes, I’ll second the call for a zip-code or heat map showing geographic distribution of incidents, or better yet, rates. But otherwise, I love this. No paper ever should let a local homicide go unnoted.