Choropleth Mapping Lab

 

🎨 Mapping Europe: Population Density and Wine Consumption with ArcGIS Pro

In this lab for my computer cartography course, we dove into the world of thematic mapping, specifically focusing on choropleth and proportional symbol mapping using ArcGIS Pro. The assignment centered around visualizing population density across Europe and overlaying wine consumption data using symbol-based mapping techniques.

🗺️ Objective

The goal was to build a visually compelling and informative map that communicates population patterns and cultural trends through spatial data. We used a choropleth map to represent population density and then experimented with either graduated or proportional symbols to visualize wine consumption per capita. The combination highlights both the concentration of people and regional wine-drinking habits in an engaging visual format.

🧩 Methods & Techniques

Software Used: ArcGIS Pro
Key Tasks:

  • Created a choropleth map using the POP_DENSIT attribute (population density).

  • Selected a classification method and color ramp to make density differences intuitively readable.

  • Excluded outliers (e.g., Monaco, Gibraltar) via an SQL query to avoid skewing the map’s interpretation.

  • Added a second layer for wine consumption using either graduated or proportional symbols.

  • Custom symbols and inset maps were used to manage visibility and clarity.

I chose a natural breaks classification for the choropleth map because it grouped countries based on inherent data clusters, making contrasts between density levels more meaningful. For symbol mapping, I opted for proportional symbols to reflect the exact values of wine consumption without classifying them—perfect for continuous data like this.

🎨 Cartographic Choices

  • Color Scheme: A single-hue gradient was chosen for the choropleth map to reflect population intensity without overwhelming the visual hierarchy.

  • Symbol Design: I customized the proportional symbols for wine consumption, experimenting with both simple shapes and thematic picture symbols for an extra creative touch.

📍 Why These Methods?

  • Population density is already normalized (population ÷ area), making it ideal for choropleth maps.

  • Raw population counts would mislead viewers by favoring large countries.

  • Flannery Compensation wasn't used because it applies only to proportional symbol perception—not necessary when using choropleth shading.

  • Including the projection info (Europe Albers Equal Area Conic) was essential since it preserves area—vital for accurately displaying population density.

🧠 Key Takeaways

This lab was an excellent exercise in combining quantitative analysis with visual storytelling. It reinforced the importance of data normalization, thoughtful classification, and choosing the right map type for your message. I gained hands-on experience using SQL queries in ArcGIS, designing with clarity, and selecting map elements that elevate interpretation.




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