Maps

Question 1

True or false: maps are a visualization type in our conceptual framework.

Answer 1

True.

Question 2

What is the purpose of map visualizations?

Answer 2

To display and analyse geographically related data and present it in the form of maps.

Question 3

What is the unique advantage of maps as a visualization type?

Answer 3

Familiarty, we are used to seeing them all the time in our daily lives so understanding them is very easy.

Question 4

When do we use geo-visualizations?

Answer 4

1. The data contains geographical attributes.

2. Visualizing spatial relationships is an important task

Question 5

What should you ask yourself when deciding if a map is the correct visualization for your task?

1. Does it contain spatial data
2. Is the spatial arrangement relevant for the task
3. Both

Answer 5

The answer is 2., not all spatial data should be represented as a map, it should only be used when the spatial arrangement is an important feature for the task.

Question 6

Give some examples of common tasks where maps are appropriate.

Answer 6

• Maps to narrate about natural events or disasters
• Maps for depicting density and quality differences
• Maps used to narrate about information flow and distance

Question 7

Assign these map types to their usual task:
1. Firefly and isopleth
2. Radial and isochrone
3. Dot and choropleth
A Maps to narrate about natural events or disasters
B Maps for depicting density and quality differences
C Maps used to narrate about information flow and distance

Answer 7

The answers are (1, A), (2, C) and (3, B).

Question 8

Name as many maps as you can for each common task

Answer 8

1. Firefly maps for earthquakes, vector wind maps, travel time maps, isopleth for water levels, natural events or disasters.
2. Dot map, symbol map, density equalizing map, choropleth map, hex / square tile maps, density maps, heatmaps, density and quality differences.
3. Distributive flow maps, line maps, network flow maps, radial flow maps, schematic maps, isochrone maps, 3d maps for data, information flow or distance.

Question 9

Why can dot maps and choropleth maps be problematic?

Answer 9

1. Dot maps are sample size insensitive, a dot map of the world population may closely resemble a map of all shell petrol stations around the globe.
2. The size of an object in a choropleth map depends on it’s geographical features and not on the variable of interest, which may be misleading in some cases.

Question 10

True or false: using a map when your main purpose is analyzing some aspect the geographical data is the best solution.

Answer 10

False, in this case instead of using a map to display the data it’s better to use visualizations that highlight your analysis, like tables, histograms …