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Data Classification

The document discusses different methods for classifying data in choropleth maps, including equal intervals, natural breaks, quintiles, standard deviation, arithmetic progression, and geometric progression. It recommends first exploring the distribution of data through a scattergram or histogram to select the most suitable classification method. Different maps of the same variable can result from using different classification methods or levels of spatial aggregation, or due to an uneven geographical distribution of values.

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65 views3 pages

Data Classification

The document discusses different methods for classifying data in choropleth maps, including equal intervals, natural breaks, quintiles, standard deviation, arithmetic progression, and geometric progression. It recommends first exploring the distribution of data through a scattergram or histogram to select the most suitable classification method. Different maps of the same variable can result from using different classification methods or levels of spatial aggregation, or due to an uneven geographical distribution of values.

Uploaded by

Angel Tsui
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DATA CLASSIFICATION

Two main issues with choropleth maps: 1. Which classification method? 2. How many classes?
1. Equal intervals: Divides the range of attribute values into equal sized sub-ranges

2. Natural break: arrange observations from low to high values and allocate them into the best suitable
group (breakpoints at values with significant large gaps)

Use when: attributes are distributed unevenly across the overall range of values
3. Quintile/even distribution: Equal numbers of observations in each class

Use when: attributes are distributed in a linear fashion


4. Standard deviation: Find the mean value and then place class break above and below the mean at
intervals either ¼, ½ or 1 standard deviation until all data values are contained within the classes

5. Arithmetic progression: Width of the category interval increase in size at an arithmetic rate

6. Geometric progression: Widths of the category interval increase in size at a geometric rate

SELECTING A SUITABLE CLASSIFICATION METHOD


- Plot a scattergram or histogram to explore its distribution
DIFFERENT LOOKING MAPS SHOWING THE SAME VARIABLE?
1. Cartographic reasons
- Different classification methods
- Different levels of spatial aggregation

2. Geographical reasons
- Uneven distribution of values at the scale of map boundaries
- Concentration of values in selected locations

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