Mapping the Data
Mapping data is often a good method for analysis. Most of the demographic characteristics on the World
Population Data Sheet lend themselves to mapping. A map shows quantitative data by political boundary is called
a choropleth map.
Choose one of the following demographic indicators and using the World Population Data Sheet and an
atlas map the world distribution of that indicator.
Births
TFR2014
LE Male 2013
Deaths
%<15
% Urban
RNI
%65+
% Contraception Use (all methods)
2050 Pop as mult of 2014
LE Both Sexes 2013
% Contraception Use (modern)
Infant Mortality
LE Female 2013
Special Indicators (ie avoid):
GNI PPP ($US)
Carbon Emissions
The steps for drawing a choropleth map are;
1.
Determine the mapping categories by finding the range of data for that indicator. Determine the number of
categories to be used for your map and the interval for each category. Here is one method for determining
mapping categories.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Inspect your data sheet.
Choose one indicator, such as birth rate, for mapping.
Determine the world's highest and lowest values for that indicator
Subtract these two numbers in order to calculate the range for the data.
Divide the range by the number of mapping categories planned for your map.
Five mapping categories is the standard.
The number resulting from the above division is the interval for each category.
Below is an example using fictitious birth rate data;
Range:
High - Low = Range
54.1 - 10.2 = 44
Interval:
Range divided by 5 = interval
44.1 / 5 = 8.82 = approx.8.8 (round to the same digit as the original data)
Categories:
Begin with the lowest birth rate and add the value of the interval 5 times
10.2 - 18.9
19.0- 27.7
27.8 - 36.5
36.6 - 45.3
45.4 - 54.1
1.
Note that the last category may have to be smaller or larger than the interval depending on how the data was
rounded.
2.
Arrange a colour code or shading pattern for each category. Colours or patterns should be arrange so that
dark colours represent the worst scenario, and light colours the best scenario.
3.
Follow the above procedures to create your own choropleth map of some demographic indicator.
Choropleth map:
Text Checklist
Legend checklist
Cartographic
checklist



printing is neat
title underlined
title clearly reflects the topic
/3



appropriately positioned
quality of construction
accuracy of units
/3




scale
north arrow
source
author
/4
Criteria
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Mark
Assigned
Appearance
appropriate and
consistent use of
colour
use of ruler to create
neatline
overall neatness
Ineffective use of
colour shading,
ruler, and or
neatness
Moderately
effective use of
colour shading,
ruler, and or
neatness
Considerably
effective use of
colour shading,
ruler, and or
neatness
Extremely
effective use of
colour shading,
ruler, and or
neatness
/10
Accuracy of
demographic
indicator
Indicator has been
mapped with
limited accuracy
(more than 5
errors)
Indicator has been
mapped with
moderate accuracy
(4 to 5 errors)
Indicator has been
mapped with
considerable
accuracy (2 to 3
errors)
Indicator has been
mapped with a
great deal of
accuracy (0 to 1
error)
/10
Overall mark
/30