2.2 Windshield Survey

Question 1

Windshield Survey

Answer 1

• Systematic observation of community made from a moving vehicle.
• Useful where area to survey is large and aspects to observe can be seen on the road

Question 2

Walking Survey

Answer 2

• Systematic observation of community made by foot

Question 3

Components of Data Collection

Answer 3

• Transportation Accessibility
• Housing Quality
• Race/Ethnicity/Religion
• Overall Neighborhood Appearance
• Used to assess community needs, estimate poverty levels, and assess a communities physical/social/economic character.

Question 4

Points to Consider

Question 5

Housing/Zoning

Answer 5

• Age and condition of housing in the neighborhood
• Are the houses well kept or run down
• Are the lawn’s neat or overgrown

Question 6

Open Space

Answer 6

• How much useable green space is there
• Is there smog/haze
• Does the air smell of garbage or chemicals
• Does the water in ponds seem clear
• Is open space public/private and who uses this space

Question 7

Boundaries

Answer 7

• What are the signs of the beginning and end of the neighborhood
• Are the boundaries natural (river, different terrain), or physical (highway/railroad), or economic (commercial units mixed with residential)
• Does the neighborhood have a name and is that name displayed anywhere (are there unofficial names?)

Question 8

Commons

Answer 8

• Are there public spaces where people can gather
• Are they well kept
• Do they have seating areas, attractive designs, cafes, food vendors
• Who uses these spaces
• What are the neighborhood hangout spots

Question 9

Transportation

Answer 9

• Is there a public transportation system
• Is it used?
• Does it allow access to all parts of the community?
• How much does it cost
• Are the vehicles energy efficient

Question 10

Service Centers

Answer 10

• Are there identifiable community service providers in the area (mental health centers, food banks, homeless shelters, welfare offices)
• Are these areas easy to reach via public transportation

Question 11

Stores

Answer 11

• What types of businesses are there
• Are there boarded up store fronts
• Is it a mix of large and small businesses?
• Are there grocery stores and super markets, pharmacies

Question 12

Street Use

Answer 12

• Are there people on the street most of the time?
• How late are people out?
• Do people interact with one another?
• What type of people do you see out? (mother and their baby?)
• Can you spot welfare workers, insurance collectors, door-to-door salesman?

Question 13

Race

Answer 13

• What race lives in the community
• Does particular race groups hang in certain areas or is the community well integrated?

Question 14

Ethnicity

Answer 14

• Are there a mix of ethnic restaurants and specialty stores?
• Are there churches or private schools that serve specific ethnic groups?
• Any information posted in languages other than English?

Question 15

Religion

Answer 15

• What types of religious institutions are there?
• Are there different houses of worship for people of different ethnicity/races? (even if they share the same faith?)

Question 16

Health and Morbidity

Answer 16

• Do you see evidence of acute or chronic conditions among the community?
• Is there evidence of accidents, communicable disease, alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental illness?

Question 17

Politics

Answer 17

• Are there signs posted of political activity?
• Is political activity allowed or encouraged?
• Are there any protests taking place?

Question 18

Media

Answer 18

• Are there local media outlets such as radio, TV stations, newspapers, or internet sites devoted to local issues?