A choropleth map is a human-made thematic visualization that divides geographic regions into discrete zones and color-codes each zone according to a statistical variable, enabling visual comparison of region-level data such as density, rate, or magnitude. The mapping from data values to color intensity follows a defined legend and classification scheme (quantile, equal interval, or natural breaks), and the visual encoding persists through cartographic conventions taught in geography and data visualization disciplines. [formal: choroplethes tabula | substrate: mind | horizon: a moment | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.02]
Accepted ontology entry
choropleth map
A choropleth map is a human-made thematic visualization that divides geographic regions into discrete zones and color-codes each zone according to a statistical variable, enabling visual comparison of region-level data such as density, rat…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made thematic map that divides geographic regions into zones and color-codes each zone according to a statistical variable, enabling visual comparison of region-level data such as density, income, or election results across a mapped territory
Names and aliases
- choropleth mapen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrc6ct9q00ida9g4regttqytINSTANCE_OF →
A choropleth map is a thematic map where geographic areas are shaded or patterned in proportion to a statistical variable. Per Law 9, it is a specific kind of map — a competent speaker would call it 'a map' (specifically a thematic or statistical map). Note: sense pinned to the cartographic sense of map (geographic representation), not the abstract diagrammatic sense.
- cmrxqh5nw03vksoac1tgfpgi9INSTANCE_OF →
A choropleth map is a specific kind of chart — a geographic visualization where areas are shaded according to data values. Per Law 9, 'X is a specific kind of Y' is INSTANCE_OF; a competent speaker calls a choropleth map a type of data chart.
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Record identity
- Created
- Aug 3, 2026, 12:49 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 9abf8a0b74527afce35c7770d3816493baf0629fc6575a01cf00b928193f1249