dot maps

• what are the advantages of using dot maps?

  dot maps give a more accurate geographical feel to the data than other maps

  dot maps do not use averages for areas, eliminating geographical inaccuracies

  easier to show variation in distribution if colours are used

  very easy to compare distribution of data using the concentration of dots

  easy to interpret by counting the number of dots and multiplying by the dot value to get the total value of a given area
• what are the disadvantages of using dot maps?

  dot maps can only be used for raw data, not for percentages

  the value of the dots can introduce potential errors, and don't show areas with lower populations

  overcrowding of dots can make the map unclear

  more detailed information is required to make a dot map than other maps

  dot maps can give the impression that some areas have no people

  locating dots is subjective - two maps based on the same data set will rarely look the same

  constructing the dot map takes a long time and many calculations when determining the number of dots