WARNING
Interactive examples are a work in progress for this page.
Misleading maps
By Omar Kawach
Every map reflects decisions someone made about what to show, what to leave out, and how to present it. Whether intentional or careless, our choices can shape our worldview in ways we may not notice. Occasionally, they can even mislead us.
Scale
Scale controls what gets shown—and what gets left out. A large-scale map (like a neighborhood street map) gives detail but omits broader context. A small-scale map (like a national or continental map) shows the big picture but hides local nuance.
Data
Without context, raw numbers can be misleading. Normalizing data by population size, density, or other factors promotes fairer comparisons. A map of total COVID-19 cases without per capita adjustment may make a large, rural city look worse than a densely packed city. Other factors, like retirement home numbers, can affect local case rates. While perfection isn't possible, ignoring these variables can lead to flawed conclusions, while including them in analysis provides a more nuanced and truthful picture.
False correlations
Just because two things appear together on a map doesn’t mean they’re connected. A map that displays obesity rates alongside fast-food locations may appear to exhibit a pattern, but it might not establish a causal relationship. Without proper analysis, it’s just a guess.
Check out the spatial statistics chapter for more.
Projection
All map projections cause some form of distortion. The Mercator projection preserves shapes but exaggerates the size of areas near the poles—making Greenland look the size of Africa. Equal-area projections address size distortion but distort shapes. The projection chosen reflects a priority—and influences perception.
Theme
Design choices matter. For example, red might suggest danger or urgency, and color gradients and shading, if unbalanced, can exaggerate trends and change perception. Symbol size can misrepresent importance—larger circles draw attention, even if the data doesn’t justify it. These visual tricks change the story a map tells.
Test your knowledge
What is a key difference between large-scale and small-scale maps?