1. If you don't have existing or relatively current land use data, go onto Bing maps (formerly Microsoft Live Maps) to get a bird's eye view of your survey area.
This free service offers a good amount of detail that can help you get started in your survey. Using the bird's eye view at the highest resolution, you can see sharp images that provide useful information about a property (number of stories, general architectural style, accessory structures). The zoom is not high enough to look at building conditions. The aerial photographs appear to be relatively recent (at least since 2005).
2. Surveys should always be done with at least two people
If you think it's dangerous to drive and text message at the same time, imagine doing a land use survey while driving. Don't do it. The driver should focus on driving, the passenger(s) on collecting data. Use a car, van or SUV with large windows. If you are working in an area with active drug, gang, or prostitution activity, avoid driving the same street multiple times, or making visible notes while in the middle of a dangerous area. You are probably going to be watched by people who don't like to be watched themselves.
If you're planning a walk-around survey, you might think you could save money by having one person do it instead of two. Actually, it might cost more. There's usually too much data for one person to absorb. So a surveyor working alone is more likely to work more slowly, make more mistakes, or simply miss important details. If your budget can't handle two professionals conducting surveys, consider asking for volunteers and use the process as a way to teach ways of reading the urban environment.
3. Let local community organizers and police know if you're going to be doing a land use survey in an area with drug or prostitution traffic
If you're in an area with a high amount of drug or prostitution activity, police might get the wrong impression about why you are in the area. Local community organizers, or other representatives from community-based organizations, can guide you to help you avoid embarrassing or uncomfortable situations. Ask your partners about any places where you need to be especially careful.
4. Do walk-around surveys early in the morning, preferably with someone from a local organization
The safest time to do your surveys is in the mornings, especially around rush hour. This is when more people are around, and there is less likelihood of gang or other dangerous criminal activity. In safer communities, it is better to do your surveys when residents are around so that there is less likelihood of your being mistaken for a burglar or a robber.
5. Wear clothes that make you stand out
You're less likely to be seen as a threat -- either to residents, police or criminals -- if you wear clothing and accessories that clearly show that you're in the neighborhood to do work. Utilities workers and delivery people typically wear uniforms or have vehicles with clear labels. You may want to get a light colored safety vest (such as what road repair people wear) or wear bright clothing to show that you want to be visible. You may also want to wear a name or organizational badge to stand out even more.
6. Trust your feelings
If at any point you feel unsafe, get out of the area and come back another time.
lf you have a professional development tip you'd like to share,
please send your tip to Leo Vazquez at vazquezl@rutgers.edu.
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