A choropleth map is a special type of map that uses color to show different values across areas. These areas could be countries, states, provinces, or districts. For example, a choropleth map might show how many people live in each state by using darker colors for higher numbers and lighter colors for lower numbers.
This kind of map is perfect when you want to quickly show how something changes by location.
2. Why Use a Choropleth Map?
People use choropleth maps because they are:
- Easy to understand: You can see the patterns just by looking at the colors.
- Good for big data: They show lots of information at once.
- Great for comparison: You can compare areas side by side.
- Visually clear: It’s much easier to look at a color-coded map than read a table full of numbers.
3. How a Choropleth Map Works
Here’s how it works: Each area on the map is filled with a color based on a number or rate. The more of something that area has, the darker or more intense the color.
For example:
- Light green might show areas with low population.
- Dark green might show areas with high population.
You also add a legend, which explains what the colors mean.
4. Best Types of Data for Choropleth Maps
Choropleth maps work best with data that is:
- Divided by area: Like by country, state, or district.
- Consistent: Rates and percentages work better than total numbers.
- Comparable: You want to compare data across regions.
Some good examples include:
- Population density
- Unemployment rate
- COVID-19 case rates
- Crime rate
- Average income
- Graduation rate
5. Step-by-Step: How to Make a Choropleth Map
Here’s a simple way to make your own choropleth map:
Step 1: Get your data
Choose something you want to show, like income by region.
Step 2: Get a map
You’ll need a map with regions already marked out, like provinces or states.
Step 3: Match the data to the regions
Make sure each data point connects to a region on the map.
Step 4: Choose a color scale
Pick colors that show the changes clearly. Usually, light to dark works best.
Step 5: Add a legend
Explain what each color means so people can read your map easily.
Step 6: Use a tool to build it
Use a simple online tool to create your map (we’ll talk about those below).
6. Tools to Create Choropleth Maps
You don’t need to be a designer or coder. These tools make it simple:
- Infogram: Easy drag-and-drop tool that lets you create interactive choropleth maps.
- Tableau: Great for data analysis with map-making features.
- Google Data Studio: Free and good for simple maps with Google Sheets.
- Mapbox: Offers more custom designs, but a bit more complex.
- Piktochart or Canva: Best for visuals and presentations.
Infogram is especially useful because it’s quick and looks professional.
7. Common Real-World Uses
Choropleth maps are used in many areas:
- Elections: Showing which region voted for which party.
- Health: Mapping vaccine rates or diseases by area.
- Education: Showing how many students graduate in each school district.
- Weather: Comparing rainfall or temperature in different regions.
- Business: Looking at sales or customer growth by area.
These maps help people make better decisions by showing what’s happening in different places.
8. Tips for Making Better Choropleth Maps
Here are some tips to keep your map clear and helpful:
- Use the right number of colors: Too few colors may not show enough detail. Too many can be confusing.
- Stick to one color scale: Avoid using multiple colors unless you’re comparing categories.
- Make the legend clear: Tell people exactly what each color means.
- Keep it simple: Don’t crowd your map with too much text or extra info.
- Test for color blindness: Use tools to make sure everyone can see your map clearly.
9. Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
- Using totals instead of rates: Large areas will naturally have higher totals. Use things like “per 1,000 people” instead.
- Too many shades: Viewers can’t tell small color changes apart.
- Wrong color choices: Red can feel too alarming, while bright colors can hurt the eyes.
- No context: Always label what your data is showing and include a title.
10. Why Infogram Is a Great Option
Infogram makes it easy for anyone to create choropleth maps, even if you’re not a designer. It’s perfect for:
- Teachers
- Business owners
- Journalists
- Students
- Marketers
Why choose Infogram?
- No design experience needed
- Drag-and-drop editing
- Interactive maps with live data
- Works on websites, reports, and social media
- Quick to publish and share
If you want to try choropleth maps without the learning curve, Infogram is a smart place to start.
11. Final Thoughts
Choropleth maps are a simple but powerful way to share data. Whether you’re showing voting results, health stats, or customer growth, these maps let your audience see the big picture at a glance.
The best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert. With easy tools like Infogram and a bit of planning, you can create beautiful and useful choropleth maps in no time.
Start with clear data, use the right colors, and make your message easy to see.
https://infogram.ca/
