How do I create bivariate maps?

You can create bivariate maps using thematic mapping software.

Showing two attributes in the same map is easy with Maptitude using both color and size. A map can show any number of themes and can even combine several types of themes on a single layer such as a sales territory layer with a color theme of total annual sales and a size theme showing sales for this quarter.

For example, if you want to explore the pattern of high-income households, size can show the total number earning over $100,000, while the color can highlight where the highest percentage exist. This method highlights areas that have both a high count and percentage of affluent households.

In general, to spot patterns more rapidly in a bivariate thematic map:

  • Use a normalized variable for the color theme (an average, ratio, or percentage)
  • Use a count variable for the size theme


You can also create bivariate maps using a plurality theme, which shows your attributes as two simultaneous color ramps.

See also:

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