3. Mapping Gun Dealers in the United States
Summary
This project mapped and analyzed the spatial distribution of licensed gun dealers across the United States. By combining official listings with geographic layers of counties and ZIP codes, I produced maps that highlighted the national density of gun sellers, with particular emphasis on the U.S.–Mexico border region. The project served as an important input for understanding the dynamics of illegal arms trafficking and its connection to high levels of violence in Mexico.
Methodology
1. Data acquisition
- Downloaded official datasets of U.S. Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers.
- Obtained shapefiles of ZIP codes and county boundaries across the United States.
2. Spatial processing in QGIS
- Integrated the FFL dealer listings with county and ZIP code geographies.
- Conducted spatial joins to link each dealer to its geographic location.
- Generated density maps showing concentrations of gun dealers at different scales.
3. Focused border analysis
- Zoomed into the U.S.–Mexico border states (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California).
- Identified high-density clusters of gun dealers near the international border.
- Connected findings to broader discussions on illegal trafficking and violence in Mexico.
4. Narrative visualization
- Developed a clear visual storyline linking U.S. gun distribution to cross-border dynamics.
- Combining maps, data visualizations, and contextual explanations.
- Produced content aimed at informing public debate and investigative reporting.