Cartogram

A map that distorts geographic area to represent a variable such as population, election results, or economic value. Its geometry makes the chosen quantity visible through spatial size.

Area cartogram: A cartogram in which each region’s area is scaled to match a data value. This common form makes the mapped variable proportional to each region’s size.
Thematic map: A map designed to show the spatial distribution of a selected subject or dataset. Cartograms are thematic maps that use distorted area as an additional encoding.
Election cartogram: A cartogram that resizes electoral areas according to votes, seats, or another election measure. It counters the visual dominance of sparsely populated regions in election maps.
Proportional symbol map: A map that places symbols at locations and scales them to represent data values. It varies symbol size without deforming the underlying geographic regions.
Contiguous cartogram: An area cartogram that preserves shared borders between neighboring regions. It maintains a connected map while deforming regional shapes and areas.
Choropleth map: A map that shades geographic regions according to values associated with them. It encodes data with color rather than changing regional area.
Population cartogram: A cartogram that scales geographic areas according to their population. It gives densely populated places more visual space than their land area would.
Isarithmic map: A map that represents continuous data with lines or bands connecting equal values. It depicts spatial gradients rather than resizing administrative areas.
Noncontiguous cartogram: An area cartogram that resizes regions without requiring their borders to remain connected. It avoids boundary distortion at the cost of gaps between regions.
Geographic information system: A system for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data. GIS tools combine boundary geometry with the data used to construct cartograms.

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