To get in the Halloween spirit, I created a layer package of data from the 2007 US Census of Agriculture about pumpkins, and shared it on ArcGIS Online [view layer package here (181 KB)]. You can explore where pumpkins are grown using this data and ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Explorer.

I was inspired by Chris Kollen, a librarian at the University of Arizona, who created maps of potential Trick-or-Treaters (based on the population of 5-13 year olds) and the distribution of bats in Arizona.

What other Halloween topics could be mapped? The US Census Bureau issued a press release of Halloween facts and figures (which they do for several holidays each year); perhaps you’ll find inspiration there. Personally, I’d like to research the production of chocolate next…

- Angela Lee, ESRI Education Programs