The Rate of Police Arrests in 2014 in Connecticut (Inequality)
The Rate of Police Arrests in 2014 in Connecticut (Equality)
Above are two shaded polygon maps that contain the same data about the rate of police arrests in 2014; yet, the information portrayed is different. From the shaded red polygon, the person reading that map would interpret disparity in the number of assault arrests in Connecticut. For instance, the Hartford area shows consistency in arresting 50-1,601 people for assault (light pink) while there are less than fifty arrests (dark red) that are spread across Connecticut. On the other hand, the blue shaded polygon contains the same data, but why can it be interpreted differently? Well, the person reading the blue polygon map would see a consistency of equal assault arrests in Connecticut. This is how you can lie with Maps. If you look closely at the two polygon maps, the red shaded polygon represents the TOTAL OFFENSE ARREST while the blue shaded polygon represents only ASSAULT OFFENSES. I have learned not to be fooled by maps easily by learning how to lie with maps. The reason why the person who created the map would show different interpretations with the same data is to emphasize their main point. For instance, if I wanted to target an audience about the importance of reducing the total amount of offense arrests, I would show the red polygon. However, if I want to emphasize the equality of arrests to show that the arrest rates are not increasing, I would show the blue polygon map. I have learned to carefully assess the map by using the legend as a guide as well as pay attention to details to better understand the purpose of the map.
(Note: The polygon is not filled because the police departments do not have the data for those towns in Connecticut)