User Guide

This guide covers everything you need to know to use SocialMapper effectively.

Guide Overview

Finding Places

How to search for libraries, schools, hospitals, and other community resources.

Travel Time Analysis

Creating isochrones and understanding different travel modes.

Working with Demographics

Using Census variables to analyze population characteristics.

Using Custom Locations

Analyzing your own addresses and facilities.

Exporting Results

Saving your analysis as CSV files, maps, and reports.

Command Line Usage

Using SocialMapper from the terminal.

Quick Reference

Common Tasks

Analyze library access:

run_socialmapper(
    state="California",
    county="Los Angeles County",
    place_type="library",
    travel_time=15
)

Use custom locations:

run_socialmapper(
    custom_coords_path="my_locations.csv",
    travel_time=20,
    census_variables=["total_population"]
)

Export maps:

run_socialmapper(
    state="Texas",
    county="Harris County",
    place_type="school",
    export_maps=True
)

Common Questions

• How do I find POI types? → See Finding Places
• What census variables are available? → See Demographics
• How do I use my own addresses? → See Custom Locations
• Can I analyze multiple locations? → Yes! See Batch Analysis

Need Help?

• Check the FAQ
• View example code
• Report issues on GitHub