Cartogram

Definition

A cartogram is a type of data visualization where the geometry of a map is distorted to represent the size of data variables, often making it easier to understand complex information. This technique helps highlight patterns and trends by resizing geographic areas based on specific data, rather than their actual physical size. Cartograms can be particularly effective in illustrating demographic, economic, or social data across different regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cartograms can either be contiguous, where the shapes remain connected, or non-contiguous, where shapes may be separated from one another.
2. They can be based on various data types, such as population size, electoral votes, or any quantitative measure that can be visually represented.
3. The most common form of cartogram distorts the size of geographic units like countries or states to represent their respective values more accurately.
4. One notable example of a cartogram is the 'Population Cartogram' which distorts countries based on their population instead of land area.
5. Cartograms are particularly useful for displaying inequalities in data, making it easier to see disparities at a glance.

Review Questions

• How does a cartogram differ from traditional maps in representing data?
  • A cartogram differs from traditional maps by distorting the size and shape of geographic areas based on the value of a particular variable, rather than representing them according to their actual geographic size. This allows for a more intuitive understanding of data, especially when comparing values across regions. Traditional maps maintain geographic accuracy but may not effectively convey the scale of differences in data points, while cartograms prioritize data representation.
• Discuss the advantages of using cartograms for data visualization compared to other techniques like choropleth maps.
  • Cartograms offer several advantages over techniques like choropleth maps, particularly in how they present complex data. While choropleth maps can obscure variations due to geographic size, cartograms directly resize areas to reflect relevant data values, highlighting disparities more clearly. This makes cartograms particularly useful for illustrating population distribution or economic indicators, as they provide an immediate visual impact that can reveal insights that might be missed with more traditional mapping techniques.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of cartograms in communicating social and economic issues compared to other visualization methods.
  • Cartograms can be highly effective in communicating social and economic issues because they simplify complex datasets into visually engaging formats. Unlike pie charts or bar graphs that may require detailed interpretation, cartograms visually encapsulate the severity of an issue by altering geographic representations. This can lead to greater awareness and understanding among audiences about disparities in wealth, health care access, or population density. However, it's important to ensure that the distortions do not mislead viewers; context and proper labeling are essential for accurate interpretation.

Related terms

Choropleth Map:

A map that uses different colors or shading to represent statistical data within defined areas, such as countries or states.

Thematic Mapping: A method of mapping that emphasizes a specific theme or topic, such as population density or income levels, rather than just geographical features.

Geospatial Data: Data that is associated with a specific location or geographic area, often used in mapping and spatial analysis.