ERIC Number: EJ1215045
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Apr
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1077-5315
EISSN: N/A
(Mis)Communicating with Geographic Information System Mapping: Part 1--Choosing Unit of Representation
Cantarero, Rodrigo; de Guzman, Maria Rosario T.; Taylor, Sarah; Hong, Soo-Hong; Choi, Jeong-Kyun
Journal of Extension, v57 n2 Article 2TOT3 Apr 2019
Extension professionals are increasingly using geographic information system (GIS) technology to develop and inform programs and services. In this article, we use a mapping exercise to demonstrate how the unit of data can be applied and inadvertently misrepresented in GIS mapping. We contrast the use of counts, percentages, and location quotients with the same data and the resulting divergence in maps. The discussion addresses ideal circumstances for using each unit of data. Overall, the article illustrates the need for Extension professionals to be cognizant of the benefits and limitations of various units of data to avoid miscommunication when using GIS mapping. [For "Part 2--Determining Data Cutoffs," see EJ1215050.]
Descriptors: Geographic Information Systems, Maps, Teaching Methods, Extension Agents, Minority Groups, Geographic Regions, Population Trends, Counties, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Intervals, Information Dissemination
Extension Journal, Inc. e-mail: joe-ed@joe.org; Web site: http://www.joe.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nebraska
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A