Mapping Environmental Justice: Heat & Air Quality in Detroit
Comparing land use, temperature, and air-quality indicators across Detroit zip codes using public data.
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Standards
HS-ESS3-4 — Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems. | HS-ESS3-1 — Construct an explanation for how resource availability and human activity interact.
Why Does This Matter?
Southwest Detroit's 48217 zip code sits near a major oil refinery, an incinerator, and heavy truck traffic — and is regularly cited among the most industrially exposed zip codes in Michigan. Meanwhile, vacant and unshaded lots across the city can run measurably hotter than tree-covered blocks nearby. This lab uses free public data tools to compare real neighborhoods.
Objective
Compare air-related indicators and land use between two Detroit neighborhoods using Michigan's MiEJScreen tool, then construct an evidence-based explanation for the differences you find.
Materials
- Computer or tablet with internet access
- MiEJScreen (Michigan EGLE environmental justice mapping tool): michigan.gov/egle/maps-data/miejscreen
- A satellite/aerial map view (e.g. any standard online maps app) for the same two areas
- Data recording sheet (this handout)
Note: This is a computer-based data lab — no physical safety hazards. Follow your school's acceptable use policy while browsing.
Procedure
- Open MiEJScreen and search for an address in Detroit's 48217 zip code (Southwest Detroit, near the industrial/river corridor). Click the census tract that contains it.
- Record one air-related indicator (for example fine particulate matter or an air toxics or traffic measure, as the tool presents it) and the tool's overall score for that tract.
- Search a second Detroit address with a different land-use profile (for example a more residential or park-adjacent area, as directed by your teacher).
- Record the same indicator and overall score for the second tract.
- Switch to a satellite map view for both locations. Note visible differences in industrial land use, road/highway density, and tree canopy/green space.
- Compare your data points (2 locations × 2 measures) in the table below.
Data Table
| Location (address / tract) | Air-related indicator (name & value) | Overall MiEJScreen score | Visible land use (industrial, green space, roads) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48217 (Southwest Detroit) | |||
| Comparison location |
Analysis Questions
- What differences did you find between the two locations' air-related indicators? Were they what you expected?
- What land-use features (from the satellite view) might explain any differences you observed?
- "Cumulative impact" refers to the combined effect of multiple pollution sources in one area. Based on your map observations, does 48217 appear to have cumulative sources nearby? List what you can identify.
- Propose one realistic, technological or policy-based solution that could reduce environmental impact in the higher-exposure zip code, and explain a trade-off it would involve.