Lying with Maps

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Similar to last week, this post is about manipulations of statistics in terms of how they are presented. However, instead of charts, this post focuses on cartography: MAPS. In this case, data was drawn from

Using the same data, these maps were made to show the same information in different ways. Unlike the charts, both of these maps illustrate completely different situations.

Using “Buckets” on Google Fusion tables, shows a stark contrast of mostly white suburbs in a ring around higher percent minority areas in the center.

Using “Gradient” on Google Fusion tables, the map created is able to illustrate a larger amount of racial diversity and integration in the area.

This post seconds the prior post to warn consumers of knowledge to be skeptical when being presented with maps in the media and in research. Look at legends and keys being presented and the colors being utilized.

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Nicole Sagullo

Nicole Sagullo is in her third year at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. She studies Education and Psychology with a minor in music. She has done research in the Psychology Department at Trinity as well as at the School of Education at Boston University.