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Graph Databases

In data journalism, we tend to use relational databases – data in table form – such as Excel or SQL to do our analysis and find stories. Graph databases are different, but are incredibly useful to find connections or patterns within our data that would be difficult, if not impossible, to spot using a relational database.

 

Session 1:

This session will provide a hands-on introduction to graph database Neo4j, showing examples of its use for investigative stories including the Panama Papers, and demonstrate how to build a graph database of political donations and match them with corporate data to see at a glance the networks involved.

Session 2:

In part two, you will learn to analyse your newly built graph database using Cypher, Neo4j’s query language. It is advisable to have completed part one to get the most out of this session.

Technical Requirements

Own laptop required. For graph databases 1 and 2: Install Neo4j.

5 July 2019 – #CIJSummer 2019/DAY 2

14:45–15:45
Graph Databases 1
16:00–17:00
Graph Databases 2

Leila Haddou

Leila Haddou is former data journalism editor for The Times and Sunday Times. Before that, she worked on investigations at the Financial Times and the Guardian. She has an avid interest in how technology can aid investigative reporting and co-organises the monthly Journocoders meet up event.

Max Harlow

Max Harlow works on the visual and data journalism team at the Financial Times, focusing on investigations. He also runs Journocoders, a group for journalists to develop technical skills for use in their reporting.
  • 5 July 2019 14.45–17.00
Location: Room 104 - PSH Building - Goldsmiths, University of London
Course
Intermediate
Data
Visualisation