Cartogram
A cartogram is a type of map in which some thematic mapping variable, such as population, is substituted for land area or distance; the geometry or space of the map is distorted in order to convey the information of this alternate variable more effectively.
In Depth Explanation of Cartogram
The term 'cartogram' is derived from the Greek words 'chartēs,' meaning 'map,' and 'gramma,' meaning 'something written or drawn.' This form of map-making distorts the geometrical properties of regions to illustrate specific data points. The concept can be traced back to the 19th century, with the earliest known example being the 1826 map by Henry Drury Harness, which represented the area under potato cultivation in different regions of Ireland. Cartograms gained popularity in the 20th century with advances in geographic and statistical sciences. Today, while traditional cartograms are still utilized, digital technologies provide even more effective ways to create dynamic, interactive cartograms using modern GIS software.
Though modern cartography has introduced various techniques and technologies, cartograms remain a vital tool for visualizing data in a geographic context. They serve to highlight disparities and trends that might not be evident in standard maps. For example, during elections, cartograms are often used to show voting results where the size of the areas is adjusted based on the number of votes instead of strict geographical boundaries. In this manner, cartograms continue to serve as an essential method for interpreting complex datasets in a visually comprehensible format.
A Practical Example of the Cartogram
An effective example of a cartogram can be seen in maps that depict global population distribution. Traditional maps underrepresent the population densities of urban areas and overrepresent the landmass of sparsely populated regions. By re-sizing countries and regions based on their population rather than their land area, cartograms like the one created by Benjamin Hennig of the Worldmapper project visually convey the massive population of countries like India and China, while countries with larger land areas but smaller populations, like Canada and Australia, appear significantly reduced. Such visual distortions provide an insightful understanding of global population trends, emphasizing the importance and practicality of cartograms in data visualization.