The State of Official Statistical Mapping in Switzerland (and Other European Countries) - Modern Trends in Cartography - page 37

Fig. 1 Classical statistical map from a modern printed atlas ( Atlas of Spatial Change in Switzer-
land —Swiss census atlas 2000)
A statistical map can, according to Schulz ( 2013 ), be defined today as a
“map, which portrays by cartographic means of representation current soci-
etal and esp. socio-economic facts in mainly analytical manner. In its core
sense, it represents, by using primary sources and applying statistical
methods, all spatial data collected by official statistical institutions through
special surveys or censuses for a broad public insight”.
The use of maps in the statistical dissemination process: When maps appear
in statistical publications, their significance goes beyond the pure localization of
values for users or the “decoration and easing of publications”, which are other-
wise—without illustrations—not easy to understand (Witt 1964 ). In practice, maps
are considered in statistical publications for manifold reasons (Schulz 2009 ):
• Maps locate results and show the spatial distribution of a phenomenon.
• Maps enable comparisons and answer multiple questions: between different
areas in one map, between different topics in different maps, between variables
for the same area in one map or between time periods.
• Maps confirm and validate statistical findings.
• Maps, atlases and geographic information systems store spatial knowledge.
• Maps support textual and tabular information that are only difficult to explain.
• Maps have a synoptic character and summarize large amounts of information,
esp. numerical information. They reduce complexity.
• Maps convey a concept or an idea and tell stories. They are a democratic means,
easy to understand and can help to better communicate the whole statistical
agenda and thus contribute to the overall acceptance of statistics.