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AbstractThe complexity of a choropleth map has an important influence on its readability. Six map complexity measures (aggregation index, compactness index, boundary contrast index, fragmentation index, boundary index, size disparity index) described in literature are presented in this study. Correlation coefficients between these indices are calculated, using 90 different maps. It is shown that most of the measures are highly correlated and therefore redundant.Visual judgement of 13 maps by 28 subjects shows that four indices (aggregation index, compactness index, fragmentation index, boundary index) can serve as reliable indicators of map complexity. As a result, each of these measures can be used to compare pattern complexity among different maps. The fragmentation index seems to be the best choice in view of its simplicity and calculation ease.
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Bregt et al. (1990) studied this question.
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