Flow line map

• Flow line maps are used for showing the flow and direction of the movement of data through a system 
• Flow line maps involve drawing lines on a map, showing the direction of flow and that are proportional in the width to the number of X
• The ‘nose’ of the flow line would need to be pointing towards the destination. 
• Use a base map, such as X, to draw flow lines on.
• Data could be categorised into groups + example and the width of the flow lines could be colour coded. 
• For a flow line map, a suitable scale would need to be decided upon + example. 
• Avoid flow lines overlapping, this causes the diagram to become overcrowded/difficult to interpret. 
• On a flow line map it may be difficult to show the meeting point of wide bands without overwhelming the map.
• On a flow line map, the real distance and direction may have been distorted to achieve a clearer image.
• A flow line map provides an immediate visual impression and clarity of direction by using arrows.
•  The values of each flow line don’t consider relief or administrative boundaries leading to inaccuracies.