Reliable Maps for Coronavirus
(An interactive dashboard. This is the most popular Coronavirus map.)
(Static maps that are updated regularly)
Articles Related to Coronavirus Mapping
Kenneth Field (Esri), the author of Cartography, gives advice on mapping the Coronavirus responsibly. He discusses the choice of an appropriate map projection; preferred use of rates rather than absolute counts; selection of appropriate colors; the advantages of graduated and proportional symbols; and the need to avoid heat maps and 3D maps. The post gives examples of good and bad map design.
Jordan Branch (Brown University) suggests using caution when reading Coronavirus maps. He notes the importance of color choice, stating that shades of red or orange are “ … associated with danger in many cultures. This encourages fear even as most official statements are urging calm.” He also observes that people may misread proportional circles, thinking they represent the areal coverage of the virus, rather than the number of cases. Finally, he warns the user to consider the source of information, as governments and international organizations may be biased.
This article describes how a mapping decision lead to the display of 36 coronavirus cases in Kansas, scaring residents in Coffeyville and Dearing. The incidents from the Diamond Princess Cruise were mapped to central Kansas, an arbitrary point in the center of the United States. This choice shows the potential danger of mapping an area to a point. Map readers may be misinterpret the map, thinking that the data actually occurs at the point.