It is suggested that choropleth maps of population characteristics exhibit serious graphic distortions when the population concerned varies greatly in density. The topological cartogram is proposed as a viable alternative in such situations. The example of an urban cartogram provides a focus for discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. It is concluded that the topological cartogram may provide an improvement in graphic communication by avoiding the terrestrial distortion inherent in the choropleth method.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Trevor Louis Charles Griffin (1980) studied this question.