GGR172: Lying with Maps - November 11, 2024

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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason maps can be considered as models?

They provide real-time data.

They eliminate all forms of distortion.

They accurately depict every detail of reality.

They represent reality, but are not reality themselves. (correct)

What does the term 'cartographic paradox' refer to?

The inability to create a flat map without misrepresentation.

The necessity to distort reality for effective mapping. (correct)

The conflict between map accuracy and dimensional representation.

The contradictions found in map symbols.

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to how maps can lie?

The scale of the map.

The choice of colors and sizes for symbols.

The projection technique used.

The type of media used to display the map. (correct)

What is a key response to the question 'Who made this map and why?'

It helps identify biases and perspectives in the map's creation. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of maps does standardization affect?

The uniformity in map symbols and categories. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modifications can lead to the distortion of reality on a map?

Choosing a specific projection type. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of symbolization on a map?

It influences the interpretation of spatial relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using different colors and sizes in map symbolization?

To facilitate ease of understanding and highlight important information. Signup and view all the answers

What is gerrymandering primarily intended to achieve?

Give one political party an unfair advantage in elections Signup and view all the answers

How can maps serve as a tool of imperialism and colonialism?

By promoting narratives that justify territorial expansion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT described as a method to mislead through maps?

Utilizing accurate geographic information Signup and view all the answers

What role did maps play during the Nazi regime?

They were used as a key propaganda tool Signup and view all the answers

In what way can maps highlight underlying agendas?

By incorporating deliberately misleading information Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between big lies and little lies in mapmaking?

Big lies rely on the exploitation of little lies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of T and O maps from the 5th to 15th centuries?

To promote a particular worldview through geographical representation Signup and view all the answers

How can understanding the process of mapmaking influence our interpretation of maps?

It enables critical examination of the motivations behind map design. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of choosing an inappropriate classification scheme in spatial analysis?

It can mask trends or overemphasize insignificant trends. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP)?

A statistical issue related to spatial analysis of aggregated data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the ecological fallacy?

Mistaking individual traits for collective group traits. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of MAUP, what does the scale effect refer to?

Analyses producing different results based on the scale of data aggregation. Signup and view all the answers

How can the number of classes in a classification scheme impact data analysis?

It can distort the representation of data trends. Signup and view all the answers

What can influence the results of spatial analysis according to the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem?

The different administrative boundaries used for analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the concept of 'break points' important in classification schemes?

They establish thresholds for categorizing data. Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of the zone effect in the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem?

It leads to different results from the same area based on zoning forms. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poll Everywhere

Poll Everywhere will be used multiple times during the lecture.
Students should keep the Poll Everywhere website handy.
The website address is PollEv.com/caitlincunningham364

Lying with Maps

Topic: GGR172, November 11th, 2024
Today's Schedule includes
- Little Lies: Projection, Symbolization, Standardization, Classification, Ecological Fallacy, MAUP
- Big Lies: Gerrymandering, Contested Territories, Advertising

All Maps are Models

Maps are representations of reality, but not reality itself.

Maps Lie! But How...

Various ways maps can be misleading are discussed in the course.
Students should consider how maps can be deceptive

Guiding Questions

Who created the map and why?
What is included and excluded from the map?
Where did map data originate?
What modifications were used and why?

Little Lies

Distortion of reality in maps is inevitable.
Maps must distort reality to be useful and accurate.

Projections

Converting 3D earth to a 2D map creates distortions.
Distortions affect area, shape, and spatial relationships.
Cylindrical, Conic, and Planar projections are used.

Symbolization

Choosing sizes and colors on maps is essential to emphasize or de-emphasize spatial features accurately.
This ensures that the map effectively presents the intended information.

Standardization

Maps can illustrate areas of different sizes and shapes.
Standardization allows for comparison.

Classification

Different classification schemes can influence map trends.
Breaks in the scheme and the number of classes are critical elements.
Different methods affect the results, like equal interval, geometric, natural breaks, quantile, and standard deviation.

Median Household Income Maps

Different maps show median household income based on various class quantities (3-13 classes) using natural breaks.

What are your Questions?

Students can ask questions during the lecture.
Poll Everywhere can be used to submit questions.

Ecological Fallacy

Individuals from a group or area exhibit traits that are prevalent throughout the group as a whole.

Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP)

MAUP affects spatial analysis.
- Scale Effect: Different zoning scales produce varying results.
- Zone Effect: Zones with the same area but varying forms produce different results.

In Class Exercise: MAUP

Worksheet for Spatial and Zone aspects of MAUP should be completed.

In Class Exercise: MAUP Part 1, Symbolized Maps

Examples include maps of State, County, and Grid with varying scales of percent contaminated.

Gerrymandering

Altering electoral districts to favor a political party.

Big Lies

Deliberate deceptions in maps used to achieve an agenda.
The maps may mislead due to an agenda.

Geopolitical Borders on Maps

Maps depict geopolitical borders, showcasing varying perspectives between countries or territories.
Maps can be used as tools of imperialism and colonialism.

Maps as Propaganda

Propaganda utilized maps during the Nazi regime, Cold War.

Advertising Lies

Some advertisements utilize deceptive figures to misrepresent their product's coverage area.

Tutorial This Week: Working on Story Map Project

Utilizing existing proposals to create interactive web maps.

Next Lecture: Surveillance

Chapter 8 of the textbook will be covered.
Spatial and digital data used to track populations.

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Description

Explore the complexities of how maps represent reality and the distortions involved in their creation. This quiz will delve into the themes of projection, symbolization, and the various ways maps can mislead, including concepts like gerrymandering and ecological fallacies. Prepare to consider critical questions about the nature of map-making.