Definition
Geographic Visualisation is a method of presenting data using maps and spatial references to analyse geographic distributions, patterns and relationships.
Human Explanation
Data is placed in geographic context so that its location, concentration, movement and spatial relationships become easier to recognise.
Why it Matters
Location can be an important factor in operational, commercial, environmental and security phenomena, and may reveal patterns that are not visible in a table or ordinary chart.
Conceptual Boundary
Geographic Visualisation is not simply a map. It represents data in spatial context for an analytical or communication purpose. Apparent geographic patterns must also be interpreted carefully because area size, population, scale and aggregation can distort comparisons.
Practical Perspective
It is used in logistics, sales analysis, network planning, security, environmental protection and crisis management. The geographic unit, map projection and method of normalising values should be chosen to match the question being examined.