integrated ch 7 Flashcards
categories of lies
Maps inherently involve simplification and distortion due to their role as models of reality.
Two categories of lies:
Little Lies: Unavoidable due to the limitations of mapping.
Big Lies: Intentionally deceptive for political, commercial, or ideological purposes.
little lies in mapping
Projection
Translating the 3D Earth to a 2D map introduces distortion in:
Area: E.g., Mercator projection enlarges areas near the poles.
Shape: Gall-Peters projection distorts shape but preserves area.
Spatial Relationships: Projection choice affects accuracy based on purpose.
Symbolization
Choices of size, color, and symbology can emphasize or de-emphasize features.
Example: Larger symbols can exaggerate the importance of data points.
Standardization
Adjusting data (e.g., percentages vs. raw counts) affects interpretation.
Example: Poverty data as percentages vs. raw numbers shows different narratives.
Classification
Methods of grouping data (e.g., equal interval, quantile, natural breaks) impact the map’s story.
Example: Different classifications of poverty data can highlight or obscure patterns.
Ecological Fallacy
Misapplying group data to individuals.
Example: Assuming all individuals in a high-income area are wealthy.
Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP)
Results vary depending on:
Scale Effect: Aggregating data at different levels (e.g., zip codes vs. counties).
Zone Effect: Arbitrary boundary changes alter patterns.
big lies in mapping
Gerrymandering
Manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor a political party.
Techniques:
Packing: Concentrating opposition voters in few districts.
Cracking: Splitting opposition voters across many districts.
Implications: Reduces representation, affects funding and policy outcomes.
Geopolitical Lies
Maps reflect political agendas in contested territories.
Example: Differing representations of Jammu and Kashmir by India and global maps.
Advertising Lies
Misleading maps for commercial gain.
Example: AT&T vs. Verizon lawsuit over misleading 3G coverage maps.
Maps as Propaganda
Historically used to influence ideologies and worldviews.
Examples:
Nazi propaganda maps (1930s).
Cold War maps promoting ideological narratives.
What is the ecological fallacy, and why is it important to avoid in map interpretation?
Definition: Drawing conclusions about individuals based on aggregated group data (e.g., assuming all residents in a high-income area are wealthy).
Importance:
Misinterpretation: Leads to false assumptions about individuals or subgroups.
Decision Errors: Skewed policies or actions based on incorrect generalizations.
Ethical Concerns: May perpetuate stereotypes or bias.
Key Takeaway: Avoid assuming that group-level patterns apply uniformly to individuals.
What are the key tactics used in gerrymandering, and what are their implications?
Tactics:
Cracking: Diluting a voting group across districts to reduce their influence.
Packing: Concentrating a group into a single district to minimize their impact elsewhere.
Implications:
Political Manipulation: Skews election outcomes to favor a specific party.
Reduced Representation: Marginalizes certain groups, undermining democratic fairness.
Polarization: Creates uncompetitive districts, fostering political extremism.
Key Takeaway: Gerrymandering distorts electoral equity and diminishes the power of voters.
What are the two categories of lies in maps?
Answer:
Little Lies: Unavoidable due to limitations of mapping.
Big Lies: Intentionally deceptive for political, commercial, or ideological purposes.
Why do maps inherently distort reality?
Answer: Because they simplify a complex, three-dimensional world into a flat representation.
What is the ecological fallacy?
Answer: The error of applying group-level data (e.g., average income) to individuals within the group.
What is the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP)?
Answer: Results vary based on how data is aggregated:
Scale Effect: Changing aggregation levels (e.g., zip codes vs. counties).
Zone Effect: Changing boundaries arbitrarily alters patterns.
What is the primary distortion introduced by the Mercator projection?
Answer: Enlarges areas near the poles, making regions like Greenland appear larger than they are.
Why is classification a potential source of distortion in maps?
Answer: Different methods of grouping data (e.g., quantile, natural breaks) can highlight or obscure patterns.
What is standardization in mapping?
Answer: Adjusting raw data into comparable units (e.g., percentages vs. raw counts).
Give an example of misleading symbolization on maps.
Answer: Using larger symbols to exaggerate the importance of certain data points.
What is gerrymandering?
Answer: Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a specific political party.
