3.

FROM POINT TO POINT: THE PROPORTIONAL SYMBOL MAP

This section deals with one of the most flexible and popular thematic map techniques:
proportional point symbol mapping, also called graduated or variable point symbol
mapping. Proportional or graduated quantitative point symbols have long been used in thematic
mapping. The circle is one of the most popular forms, probably because of its compact size and
ease of construction; many other forms are becoming popular.

Proportional point symbol mapping is based on a fundamentally simple idea. The cartographer
selects a symbol form (such as a circle, square, or triangle) and varies its size from place to
place, in proportion to the quantities it represents. Shape and size are the two most important
visual variables in this map type. Hue and/or value can also play an important role, particularly if
more than one variable is shown on the map. Map readers can form a picture of the quantitative
distribution by examining the pattern of differently sized symbols (see Figure Proportional Map
below). This simple approach can be spoiled by overloading the symbol form with too much
information or by selecting scaling methods inappropriate to perceptual principles.

Figure Proportional Map

When to Select this Method— Data Suitability

There are two commonly accepted instances when the cartographer selects proportional point
symbol mapping: when data occur at points and when they are aggregated at points within areas.
Many attribute data magnitudes can be symbolized this way, including data such as totals, ratios
(but see note on densities which follows), and proportions. This data flexibility is certainly a
major factor in why proportional symbol mapping is such a popular technique.

Figure Data Suitability: Two Kinds of Location and the Use of Proportional Symbols. In (a), circles are placed at the
points where quantities being mapped are located (cities, towns, stores, etc.). Area data assumed to be aggregated at
points, as in (b), may also be represented by proportional point symbols. In each case, the symbols are used to show
different quantities at distinct locations.

However, there are three types of attribute data that should not be used with proportional
symbols: interval level data, densities, and data with relatively small and unvarying attribute data
ranges. The difficulty with interval data is that wherever there is no circle, a zero value is
implied.

A Variety of Symbol Choices

Two-Dimensional Geometric Symbols

Two-dimensional symbols, such as circles, squares, and triangles, are the most common forms of
proportional symbols, with the circle being the dominant form. In each case, area is the
geometric characteristic that is customarily scaled to geographical magnitudes. See Figure 2D
symbols below. Circles have no doubt become more common because of several advantages they
have over the other symbols:

1. Their geometric form is compact.

 2. Historically, circle scaling was less difficult than for other geometrical forms (with the
exception of the square), because the square root of the radius can be used. Today,
computers have eliminated any need for manual calculation of symbol sizes and areas.

3. Circles are more visually stable than other symbol forms and thus cause little eye
wandering.

4. If symbols need to overlap (within reason), the circle form is still reasonably effective
in communicating magnitudes.

5. Circles are an effective form for accommodating a second variable, which can be
represented in a pie graph or with changes in the circle’s hue or value.

Figure 2D symbols

Three-Dimensional Geometric Symbols

Cartographers and geographers have experimented with point symbols of three-dimensional

appearance, including spheres, cubes, and other geometrical volumes (see Figure 3D symbols).
The use of three-dimensional point symbols can result in very pleasing and visually attractive
maps. However, most map readers cannot correctly gauge the scaled values of these maps.
Pictorial Symbols

Pictorial symbols, also called pictographic, mimetic, or replicative symbols, are increasing in use
for proportional symbol maps. This is due both to widespread availability of digital artwork (that
is, clipart), and the ease with which the artwork can be imported into GIS and other software
packages. Maps so produced are usually attention grabbing for the map reader and introduce an
element of fun for the map designer. Proportional cars, trees, or the outline of a human, can
represent automobile production, timber harvested, or population, respectively. If the designer
cannot find a symbol to their liking, they can design and incorporate their own symbol, see
Figure Pictorials

Figure Pictorials: Pictorial symbols are attention grabbing and fun to use, but the more irregular the shape of the
symbol, the harder it will be for the map reader to estimate magnitude, or compare quantities from place to place.

Proportional Symbol Scaling

The scaling technique chosen is one of the most important aspects of proportional symbol
mapping. There are three common scaling techniques: absolute scaling, apparent magnitude
scaling, and range grading.

1. Absolute Scaling. In this method, symbols are scaled proportionally to their data values,
and are therefore also in proportion to each other (see Figure Scaling (a)). For example, a
symbol that is twice as large in area as another symbol will represent a value that is twice
the data amount as the other symbol. This type of scaling is most conventionally
associated with the term “proportional symbol.”
2. Range grading. In this scaling method, a symbol represents a range of data values (see
Figure Scaling (b)). A certain number of ranges or classes are chosen (for example, four
or five), and the data are then classified according to one of the classification schemes as
discussed in earlier classes. The symbols are not usually in proportion to the attribute
values, although larger symbols will imply “more” of whatever is being mapped. Many
GIS and mapping software often use the term “graduated symbol” map when range
grading is employed.
Figure Scaling: Two Maps from the Same Data. Symbols Are Scaled Via Absolute Scaling (A), And Range Grading
(b). The same symbol size is used for the smallest data value (a) or range (b). A symbol outline of some kind is used
if the symbols overlap (a).

Proportional Symbol Legend Design

The legend serves as the visual anchor for interpreting symbol sizes, whether it is estimating
symbol magnitude (as with absolute or apparent magnitude scaling) or determining symbol class
(as with range graded symbols). Major issues in legend design are choice of symbol arrangement
and style, selecting the number of symbols to include in the legend when scaled absolute or
apparent magnitude scaling has been used, and how to handle class ranges when the symbols
have been range graded.

Figure Proportional Symbol Design below represents some common legend arrangements using
circles. Vertical or horizontal presentations are the most typical, with the vertical presentation
being default for many GIS and mapping software. Both are equally acceptable; select the
arrangement that best balances the map layout. Vertical presentations may have the symbols
progress from smallest to largest (most common) or largest to smallest from top to bottom.
Horizontal presentations are smallest to largest from left to right. For the circle form, nested
circles (Figure c) and nested semi-circles (Figure d) provide for a unique design when there may
not be enough space for the more elongated vertical or horizontal legends. Nested presentations
are somewhat less common than the vertical or horizontal arrangements, mostly because
automated legend procedures in most GIS and mapping software do not directly support nesting.
Thus, it takes some creativity and extra effort with the software to generate nested circles.

Keeping things simple will usually make it easier for the map reader to interpret the map.
Ultimately, this is why we usually recommend circles over more complicated forms.

Figure Proportional Symbol Design: Various Proportional Symbol Legend Designs. Common presentations include
vertical (a) and horizontal (b). Other circle arrangements include nested circles (c) and nested semicircles (d).

Overlapping Symbols

One of the biggest challenges in proportional symbol design is producing a set of symbols that
visually stand out (that is, are not too small) but at the same don’t have excessive overlap (when
largest symbols are too large). Even after adjusting the smallest and/or largest symbol, or
switching from one scaling method to another, many cartographers often wonder if the amount
of symbol overlap is acceptable. As an approximate guide, if the circles are obscured by more
than about 25 to 33 percent in the most congested area on the map body, then it is possible that
further adjustments in circle sizes are necessary. With more complex symbol forms, even less
overlap is recommended.

Where symbols overlap, it is important that smaller symbols “cover” larger symbols (see Figure
Overlapping Circles)

Figure Overlapping Circles: It is important for smaller circles or symbols to cover larger ones.