DistrictBuilder

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the DistrictBuilder software. The DistrictBuilder application is a cornerstone of the Public Mapping Project, intended to foster greater public participation and transparency in redistricting. It is among the new generation of redistricting applications that are web-based, so people can immediately begin mapping without having to worry about software installation and data management. What distinguishes DistrictBuilder from other redistricting applications is that it is open-source software, which means anyone can obtain the software at no cost. Ultimately, DistrictBuilder empowers humans instead of relying on machines. It does this for two reasons. First, humans often perform better than computers in processing visual information like geographic units awaiting assignment to districts. Second, redistricting plans are proposals for political representation—although made in a technical form. Since there is no universally agreed-upon measure of representation, it is important for the public to be able to express proposals that reflect their conception of what representation means.