Cartogram
A cartogram is a type of map that distorts geographic areas (e.g., countries, states) based on a specific variable, such as population, GDP, or election results, rather than their actual physical size. It visually represents data by resizing regions proportionally to the variable being measured, making spatial patterns and disparities more apparent. This technique is commonly used in data visualization, geography, and social sciences to highlight statistical information on maps.
Developers should learn about cartograms when working on data visualization projects that involve geographic data, as they provide an intuitive way to communicate complex spatial statistics. They are particularly useful in applications like election mapping, public health dashboards, or economic analysis tools, where showing relative magnitudes across regions is more important than accurate physical geography. Understanding cartograms helps in creating effective visualizations for web apps, GIS software, or data analysis platforms.