Data Visualization: The case for grids
| This is an example of a "classic" thematic map of the US. In this case, the number of rich households is thematically represented per county with ranged colors. The advantage of this approach is that the data range per county can be quickly ascertained. The disadvantage is that the size of the color field is drive by the size of the county, so small counties with great data values are not as visually impressive as they should be. |
| In this example, the very same data is broadcast across a fine grid, and more clearly
shows the concentration of the data across space. The data is no longer
"contained" by irregular polygons, so the visual influence has more to do with
the strength of the data, and less to do with the size of the counties. Ask yourself, which map most quickly and forcefully shows the concentrations of rich households in the US? |