Instructions

Below are the instructions to prepare the session in advance:

1. Install R and RStudio. R is a (free) statistical software and RStudio is an integrated interface that makes working with R easier. Bear in mind that you have to download and install both softwares: R and RStudio. The version you install depends on whether you are using Windows or Mac. Here is a link to access them.

2. Install QGIS. Although we will mostly be working with R, we will need QGIS for digitising spatial features manually (from historical maps). QGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) software, which is also free and open-source. You can find the instructions to download and install QGIS here.

3. Download the course materials (available in Blackboard). These include the datasets we will be working with and the R scripts containing the code to map the information they contain (or extract other spatial information). Create a dedicated folder to this session in your computer. Name it mapping and store these files in separate folders (named data and scripts, respectively) within the folder mapping.

5. Get familiar with R and RStudio by opening RStudio and following the instructions in the Intro to R section.

6. Read the blogposts and online visualisations in advance listed here.

7. Do not forget to bring your laptop to the session (or work in pairs).

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any question!