Dot map

• Dot maps are useful for showing the density and indicating the distribution of a variable. 
• Dot maps are used to show a phenomenon when both the value and location are known 
• Dot maps create a visual impression of density by placing a dot, in the approximate location of the variable being mapped. 
• Dot maps should only be used for raw data, not for standardised data or percentages.
• If well-constructed, dot maps show distributions and density of a variable, due to the phenomenon of knowing both location and value.
• On dot maps it is easier to show variations in the distribution of a wide variety of commodities if the dot map is presented using different colours.
• Dot maps are easier to construct than proportional symbols maps, as all data points have an equal value.
• On a dot map it is easy to compare the distribution of items by considering the concentration of dots.
• On a dot map, it is easy to interpret data by counting the number of dots multiplied by the dot value to obtain the total value of a given area.
• Developing a dot map is time consuming, especially marking the dots on the map.
• The construction of dot maps involves tedious calculations, especially when determining the number of dots.
• When the scale is small, many dots are drawn, which may cause overcrowding and difficulties in counting.
• In cases where there is an even distribution of dots on a map, there may be a false impression that the distribution is the same over the represented area.
• Locating dots on a map is a personal and subjective decision and two maps prepared by two different people using the same data are rarely identical.