Introduction
A diversity index measures the degree of specialisation or alternatively the degree of diversity across attributes within a spatial unit. This allows spatial units to be compared as to the mix of the characteristics being measured.
The diversity index for a particular region can range from 0 to 1, where a score approaching 0 indicates an increasing degree of diversity and a score approaching 1 indicates an increasing degree of specialisation. Determination of whether a region has a high or low diversity index is done by comparing the diversity index scores across all regions.
Set Up
For this worked example we will calculate the diversity of dwelling structures for for SA2s across Melbourne
To do this:
- Select Greater Melbourne (gccsa_2016/2GMEL) as your area
- Select the following datasets and variables:
Dataset | Variables |
SA2-G32 Dwelling Structure-Census 2016 | SA2 Code 2016 |
SA2 Name 2016 | |
Occupied private dwellings Separate house Dwellings | |
NATSEM - Social and Economic Indicators - Synthetic Estimates SA2 2016 | Occupied private dwellings Semi detached row or terrace house townhouse etc with Total Dwellings |
Occupied private dwellings Other dwelling Improvised home tent sleepers out Dwellings | |
Occupied private dwellings Other dwelling House or flat attached to a shop office etc Dwellings | |
Occupied private dwellings Other dwelling Caravan Dwellings | |
Occupied private dwellings Other dwelling Cabin houseboat Dwellings | |
Occupied private dwellings Flat or apartment In a three storey block Dwellings | |
Occupied private dwellings Flat or apartment In a one or two storey block Dwellings | |
Occupied private dwellings Flat or apartment In a four or more storey block Dwellings | |
Occupied private dwellings Flat or apartment Attached to a house Dwelling |
Once you have added these datasets, you are ready to use the Diversity Index tool – click the Inputs tab above to see how to do this