Choropleth map

Definition

A map that shades defined areas according to the range into which a statistical value falls.

Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR

Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

A map that uses shading to represent different ranges of values within areas.
For a choropleth map, each shade represents a range. Imagine a fictional rainfall map whose key places western areas in a 1,000–1,499 mm annual rainfall band and eastern areas in a 500–749 mm band. You can conclude that the mapped western areas have higher annual rainfall.
Revise: Analysis and Interpretation of Geographical Sources
A map that shades areas according to the value or value range of a variable, using a key.
Revise: Data Presentation and Analysis

1
Read a choropleth map's key before interpreting its colours. Darker shading does not always mean greater development: a high infant mortality rate usually indicates lower development.
2
When comparing choropleth maps, check that their category boundaries match. Identical colours can represent different values.

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A map that shades defined areas according to the class into which each area's data value falls.

1 more note

A map in which areas are shaded according to classes of numerical values shown in a key.
Revise: Interpreting Geographical Data and Population Pyramids

Specification 5.2, 6.2 · Paper 2

A choropleth map shades areas according to a statistical value, such as literacy rate or income per person. Each shade represents a range in the key. Begin by checking the indicator, its units, the date and the boundaries used.
Revise: Global Variations in Development
A map that shades defined areas according to categories of numerical data.
Revise: Global Resource Distribution

Specification 9.1 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

A map that shades defined areas according to a numerical value, such as population density.
A choropleth map uses shading to show values for defined areas. It suits population density, percentages and similar measures that can be compared between areas. Raw population totals answer a different question: a large district may contain more people simply because it covers more land.
Revise: Thematic Maps and Map Construction