Lecture 8 + Chapter 7 Flashcards
what do little lies mean in maps
subtle distortion for making maps readable but still may = misinterpretation
- unavoidable in maps because all maps are models
ecological fallacy
The ecological fallacy occurs when inferences about individuals are mistakenly drawn from aggregate data for a group
- Assuming all people in a region voted for a particular candidate based on overall election results from that area.
explain how projection limitations show little lies
as you go from 3D to 2D it can create distortions = white lies
- mercator projection preserves shapes and angles but not area
- gall-peters projection preserves area but not shape
what is the role of symbolization in maps
Maps often simplify complex data using symbols to highlight specific information, but this choice can omit other details.
- choosing sizes and colours to emphasize or emphasize elements on a map
EX: Google Maps employs colour-coding and line thickness to distinguish highways from smaller roads, enabling users to navigate efficiently
- satellite views lack this symbolization, making identifying road types hard
what is the role of standardization in data representation
- allows areas of different sizes and shapes to be compared
- in the same units, percentages, colour - can dramatically affect how it is perceived
Maps displaying poverty by percentages highlight relative poverty levels across regions, while maps using raw numbers might suggest a misleading concentration of poverty in populous areas, even if the rate is low - percentages allow u to compare within 0-100%
what is the role of classification in maps
- Classification involves dividing map data into categories, which can mask or emphasize trends depending on the chosen thresholds
- equal intervals, natural breaks, quantile classifications
- For instance, equal intervals might underrepresent extreme values, while quantile classifications highlight comparative distributions but might obscure absolute values (to compare poverty values)
what are aggregation effects?
Aggregating data to larger spatial units, like counties or census tracts, can obscure local variations and lead to the ecological fallacy
- A map comparing average incomes across neighbourhoods can mask individual household differences. If aggregated, data may suggest a higher income level than is accurate for specific households within the area.
what does MAUP stand for
modifiable areal unit problem
what does MAUP do
MAUP describes how data aggregation into different spatial units can significantly affect map interpretations
- A map of solar potential aggregated by state may present a generalized view, whereas a county-level map reveals more localized variations. The choice of zoning units impacts the analysis and resulting visual patterns
- Changing the boundaries of spatial units in an analysis of economic data can lead to different conclusions about economic conditions.
what are big lies
refer to intentional manipulations to shape specific narratives or advance agendas
What is gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favour one party or class
- “packing” - concentrating opposition in one area
- “cracking” splitting up opposing voters
EX - Redrawing a district to dilute the voting power of a particular demographic group
- The term originated in 1812 when Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry’s redistricting scheme resembled a salamander. Modern maps show how district boundaries can be shaped to consolidate political power
how do big lies differ from little lies
Little lies are inherent simplifications or distortions due to the nature of map-making, while big lies are deliberate manipulations to mislead or serve an agenda.
Little lie: using a certain color scheme to represent data; Big lie: altering or omitting data to influence political opinions.
what is an example of geopolitical lies
Maps can be used to assert territorial claims or present disputed borders as uncontested, which can influence national identity and foreign policy perceptions
Google Maps displays Jammu & Kashmir differently depending on whether the user is in the U.S. or India, reflecting the disputed claims by India, Pakistan, and China over the region
what is an example of a commercial lie? how can advertising become a form of map manipulation?
Advertising can use maps to exaggerate the reach or effectiveness of a product or service, often misleading consumers
- A cellular service map showing coverage areas much larger than they actually are to attract customers
