Mapping Florida: Beyond The Choropleth Map

Abstract

With the advent of computer cartography and GIS there has been an increasing emphasis on map visualization, not only in terms of the use of color but also in terms of methods of data representation. Enough computer power is now available on the average

PC to construct all but the most complex maps. Mapping is a way of visualizing the world and no map is without some sort of distortion. When mapping social phenomena however, there is ample reason to place the emphasis on data visualization with a topologically correct geography - the real purpose of mapping, rather than on the geography per se with a visually bias and often unhelpful data representation.