As a map reader, when you encounter choropleth maps or proportional symbols maps

Question

As a map reader, when you encounter choropleth maps or proportional symbols maps in which numerical data have been grouped into categories with specific ranges of data, why do you need to be cautious in your interpretation of the map?

A)If the map has been classified using the quantiles method, extreme values (outliers) are likely to be hidden, making these extremes appear to not differ from other values.

B)If the map has been classified using equal intervals, many locations may be lumped into the same category and look identical on the map, hiding what may be distinct differences among places.

C)If you cannot tell which classification method was used, there is a possibility that the map maker has selected category ranges specifically to make the map appear to depict spatial patterns favored by the map makers when there are really no patterns in the data.

D)All of the above.

Explanation / Answer

A choropleth map is a thematic map which divides geographical regions that are colored, shaded, patterned or represented by numerical data/symbol. It gives us the easiest way to visualize the overall picture of the geographical area.

Now, as per the question, the answer is option D. During interpretation of the choropleth map, we need to cautious over all of the point of interpretation.

As the option A says, if there is any outlier(geologically an outlier is a younger rock isolated within the older rock), that may be overlooked by the color or shading.

Option B, problems with equal interval pattern and option C, the problem with pattern interpretation all these can be faced during the choropleth map interpretation.

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