1.3.5 Maps and Map Bias — the 6 pairs that get mixed up
Most mix-ups happen when two words sit next to each other. These are the 6 pairs
worth practicing apart. The 4 marked most confused are the ones the course
itself flags, or that sit closest together.
Cover the right-hand column with your hand, read the left definition, and say which term it
is out loud before you look. Then swap sides.
most confused
bias
A lean. Unavoidable on a map. Not always harmful.
vs
validity
Does the map do the job it was made for?
How to tellA biased map can still be valid. The Surrealist map leans hard and is still valid for its purpose. A perfect-looking world map is invalid as a city street finder.
most confused
bias
Any leaning, including ordinary choices of color, center, and what to leave out.
vs
prejudice
A hostile or unfair prejudgment. One possible source of bias, not the definition.
How to tellThe course's definition does not require bad intent. If a question says maps are biased only when the maker is prejudiced, it is wrong.
most confused
land-area election map
Each state drawn at true size. Empty land looks loud.
vs
population cartogram
States resized by people. The picture of who voted changes.
How to tellSame 2004 votes. Different job, different lean. This is 1.3.1's cartogram, used as a bias example.
conventional world map
North up, Atlantic in the middle, Europe looking central. Feels "normal."
vs
unconventional map
South up, Pacific-centered, or missing a country on purpose.
How to tellThe unusual one is how you notice the habits of the usual one.
most confused
world map
Purpose: a view of the world as a whole.
vs
city street map
Purpose: get you from James Street to Washington Avenue.
How to tellThe dishwasher test. Each is valid for its own job and invalid if you use it for the other.
centering
What sits in the middle. The part your eye goes to first.
vs
orientation
Which way is up. North-at-the-top is a habit.
How to tellStudy sheet lists them together. Upper left still gets the most attention either way.