How do I create a Bubble Map?

Size themes (or bubble maps) scale the size of simple symbols (usually a circle or square) proportionally to the data value found at that location. They are a simple concept: the larger the symbol, the “more” of something exists at a location. The default setting in Maptitude is to scale the circles directly proportionate to the data.

The following steps outline how to make a bubble map (also known as a proportional symbol map) using Maptitude:

  1. Use Create-a-Map Wizard to create a general purpose map of whatever country package you have installed.
  2. Make the state/province/region or similar layer the working layer.
  3. Choose Map>Thematic Mapping>Size or click  on the Selection Toolbar to open the Select by Condition dialog box.
  4. Choose a population field from the Choose a Field scroll list. If no population field is present, choose the AREA field.
  5. Click OK. Maptitude adds a bubble theme to the map.
  6. Choose Map>Thematic Mapping>Size or click  on the Selection Toolbar to again open the Select by Condition dialog box.
  7. Type 50 in the High Value Size edit box to make the bubbles larger.
  8. Click the Style tab and choose a different color for the bubble.
  9. Click OK. Maptitude updates the size theme with your changes.


For more on thematic maps, see: https://www.caliper.com/learning/media/how-to-make-a-thematic-map-in-maptitude/

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