Choropleth Maps

Question 1

What is a choropleth map?

Answer 1

a type of thematic map where areas are coloured based on a single variable that describes some characteristic of an area, and shows spatial distribution. Visualises qunatitative data.

Question 2

key characteristics and elements of choropleth maps

Answer 2

Geographic areas
Data Representation
Colour scheme
Legend
Data classification

Question 3

Geograpic areas

Answer 3

divide a geographic area into discrete regions such as a country, province, or any other administrative area.

Question 4

Data representation

Answer 4

represents a specific data variable associated with each geographic area on the map.

Question 5

Colour scheme

Answer 5

use a gradient of colours or shades to convey information about the data variable. Darker or more intense colours are often used to represent higher values.

Question 6

Legend

Answer 6

typically include a legend that explains the colour scale used on the map,
associating specific colours with data ranges or values.

Question 7

Data Classification

Answer 7

data is often classified into ranges or categories to determine how regions should be coloured

Question 8

Data Standardisation

Answer 8

adjustment of raw data to deal with variation in enumeration units.

Question 9

Approaches for standardising data

Answer 9

divide an area-based variable by some other area-based variable. divide a non-area-based variable by either the areas of enumeration units or some area-based variable. divide two non-area-based variables. statistics - mean, median and SD

Question 10

Unclassed vs. Classed data

Answer 10

Unclassed - more accurately portrays data
Classed - has limited number of categories easy to interpret.

Question 11

What criteria should be considered when choosing between an classed and unclassed map?

Answer 11

Whether the cartographer wishes to maintain the numerical relations among data values. Whether the map is intended for presentation or exploration.

Question 12

Selecting a colour scheme

Answer 12

sequntial, diverging or spectral (can be unsuitable for visually impared)

Question 13

Who is Cynthia Brewer?

Answer 13

Designed a colour shcme where low values are represented by light colours and high values represented by dark colours. Which are colour blind safe.

Question 14

Legend design

Answer 14

• horizontal vs vertical legend
• placement of values
• specifying class limits
  legend boxes should be placed directly next to one another, as opposed to being separated by spaces.