Page:John Nolen--New ideals in the planning of cities.djvu/43

CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES Stratford Avenue Bridge, described in detail, shows what a valuable basis the local survey may furnish for a costly city planning project. Another and somewhat different illustration from the same report is the study of the stages of development of the Reilley Street Block. The survey here consists partly of definite facts with regard to the changes in assessed valuation, the number of people on a given lot, rents, income, etc., and partly of local opinion gathered from various sources as to the reasons for changes of occupancy, the succession of nationalities, the number of buildings constructed, etc.

(3) One of the most important parts of the local survey is the interpretation of the data. There is often a temptation to read our own conclusions into the facts, instead of interpreting the facts impartially. Interesting illustrations of the interpretation of local data and surveys can be had from the range of land values maps prepared for Cambridge, Mass., and for Bridgeport. Some of the conclusions were as follows: that land values in general over the entire city have become high along relatively wide, through streets; that values are high in areas adjacent to public parks, where surroundings are assured; that protected and restricted residential sections usually have higher values than the districts surrounding them; that the overcrowding of residential sections sometimes results in higher and sometimes in lower land values.

(4) The presentation of the results of the local survey should be accurate, clear and interesting. In making them interesting, the chief factor is the use of graphic means. This method is being increasingly employed with unusually good results. Statistics and data are much increased in usefulness if shown graphically on maps and diagrams. Graphics convey information directly to the mind. They facilitate the comprehension of relationships. We may thus portray by