The Challenge of Mapping COVID-19 Data

This chapter discusses the design choices to make while dealing with multivariate Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) data; the most common errors made in this process; and how to avoid them and present data in meaningful and effective ways. The numbers available can be very revealing but also should be interpreted with caution. It is revealing because when plotted over time they show where the pandemic started and how it spread over the world. Caution is needed because countries do not necessarily have the same definition for each variable nor follow the same data collection approach. A final design will be based on a combination of the above considerations with the overall purpose of the map in mind. The most common error is the choice of the wrong map type, especially when the mapmakers try to visualize absolute numbers. Well-designed maps will attract attention and enlighten, providing insights that tell the story at hand and lead to appropriate decisions and actions.