Mapping Elections: Identify At Least Three Types Of Maps ✓ Solved

Mapping Elections1 Identify At Least Three Types Of Maps Eg Choro

Mapping Elections1 Identify At Least Three Types Of Maps Eg Choro

Identify at least three types of maps (e.g., choropleth map, cartogram, proportional symbol map, etc) used to represent information relevant to Presidential elections. Find a specific online example of each and provide a URL for the map. Refer to your text for the kinds of maps that are possible and if you identify a map type not covered in your text, be sure to note that it is a type not covered, and briefly explain the characteristic of this map type.

Identify the kinds of data that are used for each map type. What is the data source in each case and was that an appropriate source (why)? Are there any better data sources and if so what are they and what makes them better?

For each map type, identify at least one key decision that the author made about how to portray the data. Again, refer to your text and other sources for ideas on what the key decisions might be.

Produce a critical evaluation of the example(s) you pick to represent each of the three map types you identify. Focus on any geographic information collection, processing, representation issues that are appropriate as well as on how the author uses the map.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The representation of electoral data through various mapping techniques is essential for understanding voting behaviors and outcomes during presidential elections. This report identifies three map types commonly used for this purpose: choropleth maps, cartograms, and proportional symbol maps. Each map type will be illustrated with online examples and URLs, along with an evaluation of the respective data sources and key decisions made by the authors.

Choropleth Maps

A choropleth map is a thematic map where areas are shaded or patterned in proportion to the value of a variable being represented. In the context of presidential elections, choropleth maps can display voting patterns or demographic information across different regions.

For example, a choropleth map illustrating the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election can be found at NYTimes Election Results Map. This map categorizes states based on the percentage of votes received by Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Data Used

The data for this choropleth map is derived from the Associated Press and reflects official election results reported by each state. This is an appropriate source as it provides official and verified information on vote counts. Alternative sources could include state electoral boards directly, which might provide more detailed breakdowns of results at county or precinct levels.

Key Decisions

The author of this choropleth map made important decisions regarding color schemes to represent varying degrees of support for each candidate. Darker shades indicated higher levels of support, which allows viewers to quickly ascertain areas of strong support versus weak support.

Cartograms

A cartogram is a map in which the geometrical space is distorted in order to convey the information of an alternate variable, such as population or electoral votes. An excellent example is found at Andrew Gelman's Election Cartograms, which adjusts the shape of the United States based on the electoral votes.

Data Used

The primary data used in this cartogram comes from the electoral vote distribution across the U.S. states, adapted based on the results of the 2020 election. This data is valid as it is based on official results and demographics provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. More granular data might improve this analysis, such as voter turnout rates based on age or socioeconomic status.

Key Decisions

The key decision made by the author involves the degree of distortion applied to each state, which reflects the electoral significance rather than geographic size. This means that smaller states with a high number of electoral votes appear larger, emphasizing their political weight in the election.

Proportional Symbol Maps

A proportional symbol map uses symbols of varying sizes to represent data associated with different areas. In the context of elections, these symbols can indicate population size or the number of electoral votes. An example can be found at 270 to Win's Electoral Map.

Data Used

This map uses data from the U.S. Electoral College, reflecting the allocation of electoral votes relative to state populations. This source is appropriate as it draws from official government data, ensuring accuracy. However, supplementary data from election exit polls may provide insights into voter preferences and demographics.

Key Decisions

The author’s decision on the size of the symbols is crucial; larger symbols represent states with greater electoral votes, allowing viewers to grasp the distribution of political power visually. Additionally, the color coding for forecasts helps identify competitive states versus historically leaning states.

Critical Evaluation

Each map's effectiveness is contingent upon the appropriateness of the map type to the data presented. The choropleth map effectively represents demographic data and voter distributions, but may oversimplify complex voter motivations. The cartogram’s distortion provides insight into electoral power rather than geographic area, highlighting the political landscape's intricacies.

On the other hand, the proportional symbol map allows for a straightforward comparison of regions based on their electoral significance but depends heavily on population density and distribution. Each map's presentation decisions, ranging from color gradients to symbol sizes, significantly influence user comprehension and interpretation of electoral outcomes.

Conclusion

Mapping electoral data through choropleth maps, cartograms, and proportional symbol maps offers valuable insights into presidential elections. By analyzing the data sources, key decisions, and overall effectiveness of these maps, we understand the electoral landscape more deeply. Each map type serves distinct functions and can be chosen according to the specific context of presentation and analysis.

References

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