Data Visualization Project
Analyzing New Zealand Census data using Excel's Power Pivot, Power Map, and Power View to visualize Auckland's population growth patterns.
I have recently been analyzing New Zealand Census data in Excel with Power Pivot, Power Map and Power View.
Getting Started with Census Data
You can download the latest New Zealand Census Data in Excel and add the stats into your own Power Pivot, Power View and Power Map sheets.
Mapping the Data
To plot the statistics in Power Map, I downloaded each Meshblock's co-ordinates from Koordinates. I stripped out the Polygon co-ordinates and just used the first location point for each Meshblock.
Being based in Auckland, New Zealand, I have concentrated on the Auckland dataset.
Population Growth Analysis
The Power Map video shows population growth by suburb (meshblock) between 1991 and 2007. To Aucklanders it will be no surprise to see that the suburbs have grown progressively from Census to Census.
Video: Auckland Population Growth Over Time
The original video embedded here showed population growth visualization using Excel Power Map.
Comparing Global Trends
Not all cities are seeing their populations rise year on year. Detroit for example has lost 25% of their residents in the last ten years.
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Detroit Population Decline
YouTube video showing Detroit's population changes
Key Insights
- Excel Power View provides powerful visualization tools for census data analysis
- Auckland shows consistent suburban population growth patterns
- Geographic mapping helps identify growth hotspots and trends
- Comparing global cities reveals different demographic trajectories